The tarmacked driveway is more durable, less expensive and a great way of increasing the value of your home. However, maintenance is crucial to conserve its effectiveness and strength.
Laying tarmac on your driveway depends on many factors, including the space and shape of your compound and the installation’s complexity. In addition, when installing the tarmac, you’ll require a professional to ensure that the rules and regulations are adhered to. However, this doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to have this feature on your home.
Below are some cost-effective tips you can use.
- Compare Several Tarmac Driveway Quotes.
Before settling on a contractor, ask around for different quotes that will help you to compare the services each contractor offers, their prices, and other benefits. Having a selection of estimates can also highlight offers and discounts available which will help you to both save and still get a quality service.
- Calculate All Costs Before Having the Driveway Done.
The best way to save money on your driveway is to understand how much it’s going to cost. You can then budget and decide what is and is not necessary.
When calculating the cost, consult a professional to help you ascertain all the necessary components of your project to avoid incurring extra expenses that you hadn’t accounted for.
Include additional costs like excavation costs. For example, you’ll need to dispose of the earth taken from the ground. Apart from choosing for the contractors to take the waste away, it can be reused in another area, and some people might want to purchase the soil.
- Do It Yourself
If you are a DIY enthusiast with knowledge of tarmac installation, this is a great option; If not, the project could end up a complete disaster, which would lead to a more significant spend on the project. When installing a driveway yourself, there are a few things you need to consider. These are:
- The Complexity of the Work.
The more complex a project, the better it would be to hire a professional. However, it would be wise to first visually inspect your compound to determine how challenging the task will be.
- Equipment to be Used.
This kind of installation requires special equipment to ensure the work is done perfectly. For instance, for a perfect tar finishing, consider hiring a double roller.
- Duration of the Project.
It would be unwise to DIY a project that will take a long time to complete. For example, a DIY should take 6 to 7 days maximum if a contractor can complete the job within three days.
If you find that a project will take more time than this, it is important to bear in mind how much your own time and sanity is worth, especially if you are usually paid more per hour for your work as well as the time that you have to take out for much needed annual leave. It is crucial to save time as well as money.
- Hire Students.
You help to stay within your budget by offering civil engineering students a chance to work on your tarmac driveway. A student can match or even surpass a professional’s quality of work. In addition, they can introduce a new process of installing the tarmac, giving you a fresher and more contemporary look. Again, a student will deliver the work at a lower cost than a professional as they are still relatively new in the industry.
Source for Cheaper Raw Materials.
Unfortunately, professionals can sometimes inflate prices for their benefit, and this implies that you’ll have to part with more money off your pocket. Instead of relying on your contractor to source raw materials, purchase the construction components on e-commerce sites or directly source from the manufacturers.
- Re-lay Your Current Drive.
Instead of excavating your entire driveway, you can choose to add a layer of tarmac. However, you’d have to obtain the services of an expert who possesses specialized skills to execute the work. But, by doing this, you can save a ton of money.
- Compare Tarmac Driveways.
These kinds of roadways are similar to ones made of asphalt material. Although the two are very similar, asphalt has bitumen as the binding agent. Bitumen occurs naturally as compared to tar, a synthetic product. Therefore, bitumen is costlier than tar. Thus, to save money, you can opt for the inexpensive option.
- Ask for Discounts.
When purchasing the materials from a store, request a discount. Then, the salesperson may give you a deal, especially if you have purchased goods of more value. Also, if you are lucky, you can buy items at a reduced price during a sale offer. Therefore, you shall have saved some money by taking advantage of that season.
- Partner With Your Neighbours.
If your neighbours haven’t installed tarmac driveways, you can consider inquiring if they may be interested in installing one. The contractor you’ll hire will most likely offer a good deal due to the enormous scope of work. But, again, this will save you money.
Care and Maintenance of Your Driveway
Using tarmac will leave your compound looking attractive and neat. However, after the installation follows its care and maintenance.
It is important to maintain your driveway otherwise you will need to spend more in the long run-on repairs. It’s also crucial to consider east, fast methods that are not harsh to the road. This way, you will save on time, energy and most importantly, cost.
The following tips will ensure that you’ve spared some money:
- Clean Your Driveway Regularly.
Don’t be tempted to leave your pathway unkempt with the hope that nature will help you care for your tarmac. Instead, ensure that you’ve frequently swept the driveway. In addition, you can brush using water and soap at least four times a year. However, you should note that constant brushing with soap and water will weaken and lead to cracks on the surface as well as peeling.
- Seal Coat Your Driveway.
It involves applying a thin, waterproof layer to protect it from rain, snow, UV rays and fluids from vehicles. Additionally, it’s attractive, thus increasing the aesthetic nature of your home. Apply the sealant at least every three to five years. Therefore, in the case of extreme weather conditions, your driveway is protected from any damage, which would lower the price that you would have spent repairing the driveway.
- Seal All Potholes.
Potholes are a result of the expansion and contraction of water that seeps into the ground. Also, steady traffic on a roadway with potholes over time leads to bigger patches. Therefore, when you notice cracks, avoid driving through them until repaired. Instead, seal the holes using a filler or resurface the whole area to avoid exacerbating the problem. By doing this, you shall have averted a more significant mess that would’ve cost more.
- Do It Yourself.
You don’t necessarily need an expert for maintenance. Instead, you’ll save cash when you personally clean and look after your driveway.
In conclusion, because tarmacked driveways offer more than just an aesthetical appearance, it’s prudent to do a proper appraisal to establish a clear work plan, cost breakdown and assess your unique needs. This way, you’ll fully comprehend the scope of work to be undertaken to avoid impulse spending.
