10 Reasons to Avoid DIY Tarmac Installation
When it comes to laying a new driveway, tarmac often seems like the perfect choice. It’s durable, clean-looking, and widely used throughout the UK. However, if you’re thinking about saving money by doing it yourself, it’s worth pausing for a moment. Installing a tarmac drive is not a quick weekend project — it’s a technical process that requires the right equipment, materials, and expertise.
At Isleham Driveways, we’ve seen plenty of DIY attempts go awry, leading to costlier repairs or full replacements down the line. Here are ten good reasons why you should leave tarmac installation to the professionals.
1. Lack of Proper Equipment
Tarmac installation requires specialist machinery such as rollers, compactors, and mixing units. Hiring or purchasing these can be expensive and still may not deliver the precision needed.
2. Surface Preparation Is Crucial
The groundwork is everything. If the sub-base isn’t properly prepared, your tarmac surface will sink, crack, or become uneven over time.
3. Temperature Sensitivity
Tarmac must be laid at specific temperatures and handled quickly. A delay of even a few minutes can affect its integrity and bonding.
4. Incorrect Thickness
Lay it too thin, and it cracks. Lay it too thick, and it never sets properly. Professionals know exactly how much is needed for a durable, even surface.
5. Poor Drainage Planning
Without the correct fall and camber, your driveway may suffer from puddling and water damage. This planning needs experience.
6. Unreliable Material Sourcing
DIYers often rely on inferior tarmac or mismatched mixes. The result? Uneven colour, patchy wear, and early deterioration.
7. Uneven Finish
Tarmac should be laid with a consistent gradient and smoothness. Uneven laying affects not only the look but also the longevity of the driveway.
8. Safety Hazards
Handling hot tarmac carries serious burn risks. Without proper safety gear and training, DIY installation is simply dangerous.
9. No Room for Error
Mistakes in DIY installations are hard to correct without digging everything up and starting again. Professional teams get it right the first time.
10. Higher Long-Term Costs
The cost of fixing a failed DIY job can often exceed what you would have spent hiring experts in the first place.
Conclusion
While doing it yourself might seem like a money-saving option upfront, DIY tarmac installation is fraught with pitfalls. At Isleham Driveways, we specialise in delivering clean, level, and long-lasting tarmac surfaces across Isleham and Cambridgeshire. Save yourself the hassle, expense, and disappointment — trust the professionals to do it properly.
Contact us today for a quote and let us help you achieve the perfect driveway, first time around.
Call us on: 01638 597 108
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