Tarmac Laying Contractor in Bickham

Tarmac Laying Contractors in Bickham — what to expect

Getting a new tarmac drive laid in Bickham usually starts with excavating the old surface and digging out to a consistent depth, then bringing in MOT Type 1 sub-base which is spread and compacted in layers using a vibrating plate or a small roller, depending on the size of the area. From there, the AC 20 binder course goes down first—this is the thicker, coarser layer that gives the driveway its strength—and it’s left to settle before the AC 10 surface course is applied on top and rolled to a smooth, tight finish. For existing drives that have sunk or developed cracks, many contractors in the PL6 area recommend a plane and overlay, where the top few millimetres are milled off, a tack coat is sprayed to help the new asphalt bond, and then fresh surface course is laid without disturbing the sub-base below. Edge restraint kerbs are often installed along borders to keep the tarmac from feathering at the edges, and if your property sits on a main road, you’ll need dropped kerbs sorted through the council before any work begins—most local firms handle the paperwork for you. Tarmac paths and private road surfacing around Bickham follow the same principle, though lighter traffic means a thinner binder course is sometimes acceptable, and for rural lanes or farm tracks, a tar and chip finish offers a cheaper, more textured alternative that handles standing water well. Driveway drainage is always worth thinking about, whether that’s a simple fall towards the verge or a linear channel across the entrance. If you’re weighing up options for your property in Devon, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from a couple of local contractors to see what approach they’d suggest for your ground conditions.