Mud embedded in tarmac driveway

[Richard999]

Hi all,

I had my tarmac drive resurfaced in January. When completed, the drive had a lot of muddy marks left by the contractor’s team walking on the wet surface. They assured me that these marks would disappear naturally with rainfall. They didn’t.

I’ve tried water and a stiff brush, but the marks won’t come off.
The contractor has suggested power washing or steam cleaning, but is proving elusive when I try to pin him down to actually come and do it.
What do you suggest?

I have photos but am struggling to add them here.

[Tony McC]

Have you got the photies stored online or just on your home pc?

[Richard999]

The photos are on my PC. I could email them.

[Tony McC]

I'll PM you with an address...

[Tony McC]

Images from Richard....





That looks like limestone dust to me - could that be the case? If so, a 2:1 dilution of an acid-based cleaner might shift it, BUT you need to check the aggregate used for the mac itself, first. If that's also a limestone (so it would be whiteish grey) then use an ever greater dilution, say 5:1

[Richard999]

Thanks for the reply, Tony.

We're on a clay soil here, so I don't know where limestone dust would have come from. I had assumed that it was clay walked onto the drive on the boots of the guys doing the work.

I don't know what aggregate was used.

[Richard999]

On reflection, I think you may be right. I tested one of the marks today with a drop of vinegar. This produced a fizzing reaction which you would expect with limestone. Testing some loose aggregate chips with vinegar there was no reaction, so I assume that the aggregate isn't limestone.

What acid-based cleaner would you recommend?

[Tony McC]

Something cheap and weak. You really don't want a hyper-corrosive super-strong acid, so have a look at what's available at a local BM and dilute it 4:1.

Better to do 4 washes with a dilute acid, taking a bit away at a time, than one big wash at full strength and risk stripping the blacktop.

[loudog]

What about asphalt restorer

[ResiblockBoss]

With regard to a Tarmac restorer we make one you may wish to consider www.resiblock.com/product/resimac If you would care to PM me with your details I can send a sample FOC so you can try it out and see if it meets your requirements??
Regards
Craig

[Dave_L]

It doesn't look great that finish, but given the small area, an asphalt paint would fit the bill here and provide a nice even black finish.



Edited By Dave_L on 1570387666