--- title: "Tarmac Driveways FAQs | Cambridgeshire Driveways" description: "Straight answers to the questions we get asked about tarmac driveways, problems, costs, suitability and what to expect." canonical: "https://www.cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk/faq/tarmac-driveways" lastmod: "2026-10-05T11:37:59.461Z" --- # Tarmac Driveways Questions Every question we get asked about tarmac driveways, answered straight. ## Problems & Symptoms ### Why is my tarmac driveway cracking or breaking up? The most common causes are sub-base failure, water penetrating the surface and freezing, tree root movement, or the original tarmac being laid too thin. Surface cracks let water in, which accelerates the damage. Left unaddressed, small cracks widen and the base beneath softens, turning a resurfacing job into a full replacement. ### Why is my driveway sinking or going uneven? Sinking usually means the sub-base has compressed or washed out, often because of poor drainage or an undersized stone layer when the drive was first laid. Clay-heavy ground that shifts seasonally is another common cause in Cambridgeshire. Resurfacing over a sunken base will not fix it; the sub-base needs to be rebuilt first. ### Will tarmac cope with freeze-thaw cycles and wet winters here? A correctly laid tarmac surface with adequate drainage handles freeze-thaw well. Problems arise when water sits on or under the surface and then freezes, expanding and cracking the tarmac from below. Good drainage and a sealed surface prevent water ingress, which is the key to winter durability in Cambridgeshire’s wet winters. ## Cost & Pricing ### Is tarmac cheaper than block paving, resin, or concrete? Yes, tarmac is generally the lowest-cost hard surface option. Typical tarmac driveway costs run at £80-£100 per m², compared with higher rates for block paving, resin bound, or concrete. The exact difference depends on driveway size, sub-base condition, and any drainage or edging work required. ### What affects the cost of a tarmac driveway? The main factors are the total area, depth of excavation needed, sub-base condition, drainage requirements, and whether edging or kerbing is included. A drive that needs a full sub-base rebuild costs more than a straightforward resurfacing. Access for machinery and skip placement can also affect the final figure. ### Can you quote for just resurfacing instead of a full replacement? Yes. If the existing sub-base is sound, a resurfacing quote covers stripping the old tarmac surface and laying a new layer, without full excavation. A site survey confirms whether the base is suitable. See [Driveway Resurfacing](https://www.cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk/services/driveway-resurfacing) for more on what that process involves. ## Is It Right for You? ### Will a tarmac driveway work if my drive slopes or does not drain well? Yes, provided drainage is designed into the job from the start. A sloped drive can be graded so water runs to a channel or soakaway rather than pooling. If drainage is currently poor, adding a channel drain at the base of the slope solves the problem. See [Driveway Drainage & Channel Drains](https://www.cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk/services/driveway-drainage-channel-drains) for more detail. ### Is tarmac right for a house driveway, or is it just for roads? Tarmac is widely used for residential [driveways](https://www.cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk/). Domestic-grade tarmac is laid at a finer texture than road surfacing, giving a neater finish that suits a house frontage. It handles standard car and van loads without issue and is one of the faster surfaces to install, which reduces disruption. ### Will the finished driveway look neat and suit my property? Domestic tarmac has a smooth, close-textured finish that looks clean against brick or stone. Neat edging with concrete kerbs or block borders gives a defined boundary and stops the tarmac edge from breaking down over time. The finish is functional rather than decorative, but it sits well on most Cambridge-area properties. ### Is a tarmac driveway a good choice if I want a low-maintenance surface? Yes. Tarmac needs very little routine maintenance. Occasional sweeping and a sealant coat every few years keeps it in good condition. There are no individual units to re-bed or weeds to clear from joints, which makes it one of the lower-effort hard surfaces available. ### Is tarmac suitable on clay ground that stays wet in winter? Yes, with the right sub-base. Clay ground moves as it absorbs and loses moisture, so the sub-base needs to be deep enough and well-compacted to bridge that movement. A drainage channel or soakaway prevents water from pooling on clay that drains slowly. The site survey will identify what depth and drainage solution the ground needs. ## Comparing Your Options ### Do I need a full new tarmac driveway or would repairs be enough? Repairs work when cracking or surface damage is localised and the sub-base beneath is still solid. If the base has failed, water has got underneath, or more than roughly a third of the surface is affected, a full replacement gives a better long-term result. A site survey will confirm which applies to your drive. See [Driveway Repairs & Restoration](https://www.cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk/services/driveway-repairs-restoration) for patch and repair options. ### How do I know if the old surface needs ripping up or just resurfacing? Resurfacing suits a driveway where the existing tarmac is sound but worn or weathered on top. If there is sinking, cracking that follows a pattern, or soft spots underfoot, the sub-base has likely failed and needs excavating before a new surface goes down. This is assessed during a site survey before any work is quoted. ### How does tarmac compare with block paving, resin, or concrete? Tarmac is faster to lay and lower in cost than block paving, resin bound, or concrete. Block paving allows individual unit replacement but takes longer to install. Resin bound offers a decorative, permeable finish at a higher price. Concrete is very durable but prone to cracking and harder to repair. Tarmac suits those who want a practical, cost-effective surface with a long service life. ## How It Works ### How soon can I park on a newly laid tarmac driveway? In normal conditions you can walk on tarmac within a few hours of laying. Parking a car is usually safe after 24 to 48 hours, once the surface has cooled and hardened fully. In warm weather the surface stays softer for longer, so waiting the full 48 hours is the safer option. ### How long does it take to lay a tarmac driveway? Most standard residential driveways take one to two days from excavation to finished surface. A straightforward resurfacing job on a sound base can be completed in a single day. Larger drives, complex drainage work, or a full sub-base rebuild will add time, which is confirmed at the survey stage. ### How much mess and disruption should I expect while the work is done? Excavation produces rubble and spoil, which is loaded and removed as the job progresses. Tarmac laying itself is relatively contained. You will need to keep the area clear of vehicles and pedestrians during work and for the curing period after. Access to the property is maintained where possible throughout. ### Do you remove the old driveway and take away the waste? Yes. Excavation and waste removal are included as part of a full replacement job. The old surface and sub-base material is loaded and taken away, so you are not left with rubble on site. This is confirmed in the quote before work begins. ### Will I need to clear access for machines or skips? Yes. A mini-digger or plate compactor needs clear access to the driveway, and a skip or tipper lorry needs to get close enough to load waste. Move any vehicles, bins, or garden items from the area beforehand. Specific access requirements are flagged during the site survey. ### Do I need a full new driveway or just repairs? Small cracks or localised wear may only need patching. A failing base or widespread breakup usually means resurfacing or full replacement. The base condition survey confirms which applies to your drive before any cost is committed. ### How long does a tarmac driveway last? A well-laid surface on a properly compacted sub-base handles daily vehicle use for many years. A patch repair on a weak or waterlogged base will fail far sooner. Base preparation is the single biggest factor in longevity. ### Will tarmac work on a sloping or badly draining drive? Yes, but the surface must be graded with correct drainage falls. If water is already pooling, the underlying levels and edge drainage need checking before any new surface goes down, otherwise the problem returns. ### What happens if I delay replacing a failing driveway? Water works into existing cracks through freeze-thaw cycles, widening them each winter. A base that is borderline now can become fully waterlogged, turning a resurfacing job into a full excavation and relay, a significantly higher cost. ### Is tarmac suitable for a narrow front drive? Yes. Tarmac is well-suited to narrow Cambridge front drives where access is tight. It cures quickly, requires no individual unit setting, and the surface is ready for vehicles within 24 hours of the wearing course being laid. ### Does laying a new driveway require planning permission? Front drives over 5 square metres require a permeable surface or drainage to a soakaway to avoid a planning application. Tarmac is not permeable, so drainage to a border or channel drain needs to be part of the design. ## Guarantees & Peace of Mind ### How long does a tarmac driveway usually last? A properly laid tarmac driveway with a compacted sub-base typically lasts 15 to 25 years before it needs significant attention. Longevity depends on the thickness of the tarmac layer, the quality of the sub-base, drainage, and how heavily the surface is used. Sealing the surface every few years extends its life. ### Will the new tarmac hold up to regular car use? Yes. Tarmac laid to the correct depth on a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base handles daily car and light van traffic without rutting or cracking. Turning on the spot in hot weather can mark a fresh surface, so avoid tight steering manoeuvres for the first few weeks after laying. ### What happens if there are hidden problems under the old driveway? If excavation reveals a worse sub-base than expected, soft spots, or drainage issues, work stops and what is needed is explained before continuing. Any change to the scope is discussed and agreed with you first. This is why a thorough site survey before work starts matters, it reduces the chance of surprises mid-job. ### Is the work covered if the new surface fails again? Cover depends on the terms agreed for the job itself. Ask about workmanship guarantees and what they cover before signing off the quote. The written quote specifies the tarmac depth, sub-base specification, and any warranty terms, so you have a clear record. ### Do you offer any guarantee on the work? Guarantee terms are set per job, not as a blanket policy. Ask for the workmanship guarantee to be confirmed in writing as part of the quotation. This gives you a clear basis for any follow-up if a problem arises. ## Tell Us About Your Driveway We schedule a ground assessment, a drainage check and a full written quote before any work begins. [Request a Survey](https://www.cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk/contact) ## Business details ### Contact - **Phone**: [07787 475312](tel:07787475312) - **Email**: [contact@cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk](mailto:contact@cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk) - **Based in**: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 - **Enquiries**: [Send an enquiry](https://www.cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk/contact) — We ask for your name, phone number, email and a message. ### Opening hours - **Monday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Tuesday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Wednesday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Thursday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Friday**: 08:00 – 18:00 - **Saturday**: 10:00 – 16:00 - **Sunday**: 10:00 – 16:00 [Business details](https://www.cambridgeshiredriveways.co.uk/about/business.md)