Summer brings with it so many things to love – long, lazy evenings in the garden which, with any luck, might be blooming, maybe a trip to the beach, ice lollies galore..
That said, it also has some downsides to summer — hot muggy nights that can disrupt a good night’s sleep, creatures buzzing everywhere, and in some cases, hot weather can wreak havoc on our homes. Tarmac driveways Here is a good case in point. While they have a lot to offer homeowners looking for a low-maintenance and affordable option, they don’t always perform so well in heatwaves, with melting being a particular problem.
If this is something that worries you, or you’ve started to feel it during the recent scorching temperatures, help is at hand.
Why do asphalt driveways melt in the summer?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
as Driveway material Go, the tarmac should be one of the least demanding, yet not infallible, and you can start looking. Signs of driveway damage. Fluctuations in temperature can cause cracks to appear and, if the foundation is not properly constructed, it can buckle even under the weight of very heavy vehicles.
If you’ve ever driven overseas, you’ve probably noticed your tires sticking a little on the asphalt on the road, or noticed shiny melting patches – but what’s the cause?
‘Tarmac driveways are made of bitumen which softens at high temperatures’, explains Daniel Wickham, First impression driveways. ‘If the asphalt surface is either old, poorly laid or has seen heavy use – all this is made more likely by being in direct sunlight.’
Danny Wickham, owner of First Impression Driveways, has been shaping driveways in Stockton-on-Tees, UK for over 20 years. Known for his expertise and attention to detail, Danny specializes in creating driveways that combine practicality with aesthetic appeal. His company offers services in block paving, resin, concrete paving and tarmac, focusing on tailoring each project to the client’s needs.
What are the signs of a melting driveway?
It doesn’t matter whether you have it or not Block paved driveway or tarmac design, with any summer driveway damage, it’s key to find and fix the problem as soon as possible to ensure it doesn’t leave you with a headache.
If the tarmac softens when the temperature reaches around 50°C, you can assume that this is not a problem here in the UK. However, dark materials absorb heat easily and many driveways sit in direct sunlight – plus the temperature of the ground is higher than the air meaning it’s not unrealistic in extreme heat, that a tarmac drive can reach this figure.
“Big red flags are soft patches, tire marks, scuffing, indentations or when the surface starts to look uneven or distorted,” warns Daniel Wickham.
What can you do to prevent a tarmac driveway from melting?
as you can Prepare your driveway for winterSo there are steps you can take to ensure that it doesn’t suffer too much in the summer heat.
Eamonn TurleyCar and road trip specialist Road smileHere are some tips to protect yourself from the heat on a tarmac drive. ‘Keeping up with regular maintenance – such as sealing when necessary – protects the bitumen from oxidation and UV degradation that accelerates overtime. appropriate Driveway drainage It’s also important, because standing water increases surface erosion between hot days.’
‘Problems can be avoided by building a driveway from scratch with the standard techniques above, using the right materials for your driveway and the volume of traffic you expect,’ adds Daniel Wickham. ‘During extreme heat, it also helps to avoid undue stress on the surface, such as spinning wheels when not in motion and leaving heavy vehicles in one place for too long.
‘Of course you can always install a brand new tarmac driveway with a good quality asphalt material and have it installed by a good contractor – it will definitely improve how well it performs in hot spells,’ adds Daniel.
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Latexite® XL1000 Tarmac Sealer & Restorer 18L
This sealer works to protect tarmac driveways from UV-rays, meaning problems are less likely to occur in extreme heat. It also helps prevent oil stains and protects against frost damage – plus, it promises to restore that ‘just laid’ look.
What should you do if your tarmac driveway melts?
If your driveway has started to show signs of softening in the heat, there are several steps you should take to remedy the problem.
According to Eamon Turley, a considered approach is best, rather than rushing to try to fix the problem. ‘When a driveway becomes soft or ‘sticky’, I would not recommend fixing it right away. Better to keep traffic light until the weather cools down.
‘Since damaged asphalt weakens when heated, driving or turning wheels on already damaged tarmac can easily cause additional problems,’ Eamonn continues. ‘When the temperature drops, an expert can be brought in to assess what needs to be done to fix the area. In some cases Driveway resurfacing may be required, while in others, the sub-base may need to be repaired or rebuilt.’
Finally, Eamonn has some words of reassurance for worried tarmac driveway owners. Temporary softening due to heat spells does not mean complete failure. That said, if the car continues to park or maneuver on soft spots, those areas may begin to develop rutting and scuffing, which will likely remain when temperatures return to normal.’
FAQs
Does resin driveway melt at high temperatures?
There aren’t many Disadvantages of resin driveways – They offer great stability, come in a wide range of design options and, in the case of resin bound driveways, which are accessible, do not require planning permission. But how do they react to extreme heat?
The good news here is that, if you specified a UV-stable resin system, melting should not be a problem. That said, experts agree that in very hot weather, the surface can become softer, meaning minor scuffing can occur when the tire is turned on.
It’s worth looking at all the options before deciding on a driveway material. Check out Advantages and disadvantages of gravel driveways As part of your research – it’s a great, affordable choice that also happens to look great.
