Cracks in tarmac - Patching cracks in tarmac

[hillside]

My house is at the end of a 300m single track access road for which my neighbour and I are responsible for maintenance. It was re-tarmac'd about 3 years ago.

However it is set on a hillside and there has been some slight subsidence causing cracks to appear in one area. Max width of the largest cracks is about 10mm at the surface, depth maybe 20mm. They run for 2-3 metres.

I have no issue with the original contractor (its a long story, but it was paid for under my neighbour's insurance), I would just appreciate some advice on how to patch the cracks to help stop them getting any bigger, water, frost and weeds getting in etc. It is unlikely that there would be any more subsidence and as they are up the road away from the house it is ok for the repair to show, though obviously I would like to minimise the effect.

Appreciate any advice given. Thanks.

[Tony McC]

Are they getting worse or have they stabilised (the cracks, that is)?

If they aren't getting any wider, a simple 'repair' would be to fill the crack with cold pour jointing compound. This will just keep out the water and the weeds, but will not 'glue' the two sections of bitmac back together.

The 'proper' repair would involve cutting out a section of the surface centred on the crack with around 300mm spread to either side, and then resurfacing the excavated section, which is probably a bit OTT at this stage.

[hillside]

Thanks - I think the cracks have stabilised. It sounds like the cold pour jointing compound would be ok. But I forgot to mention that the lane is used as a footpath. Not high volume but I wouldn't want people and dogs getting sticky. Will the cold pour stay tacky or does it set eventually?

[Tony McC]

Sets in 2 hours-ish. If there's any doubt, dust the top with kiln-dried sand after 1 hour and that should protect peoples' shoes. (Sod the dogs - they can get stuck for all I care!)

[TarmacLady]

It's not the dogs getting stuck in it that's the problem. The problem is what happens when the dog streaks into the house, making tarry pawprints all across the brand new rugs that She Who Must Be Obeyed just had installed!!!

[Tony McC]

Shoot the dog! They're nowt but a bloody nuisance at the best of times. A tar-covered dog is even worse!

[TarmacLady]

That's why I prefer cats...a big fluffy moggy waiting inside who hates to get her feet wet or soiled. I can just picture you, Tony, all curled up on the sofa watching footie with a great furry cat plunked on your lap! :p

Pity hubby's allergies won't let us have any four-footed critters in the house, save the lizards who sneak in whilst the patio doors are open. :rock:

[flowjoe]

Tarred cats & dogs !

Sounds like a renewable energy source to me, how well do they burn ?

[Tony McC]

I hear you've been feeding the crocogators down there in Floridaland, Amy. How does hubby cope with them??

[TarmacLady]

Not too much worry, really -- it's the eejits who feed them who get picked off!

Despite the BBC's accounts, alligators prefer to keep themselves, and have to be out in the swamp to be in their way!