Problems with tarmac drive

[LGDT]

We had a new tarmac driveway laid in January.

We were very careful in our selection of company and went with one who had done a few locally and were recommended by everyone who had used them.

All was well until the first spell of warm weather in June – when it was mid-20’s rather than mid-30’s. Over that weekend we a number of small areas crumbling and melting in the heat.

As the weather cooled these areas settled down but they ended up looking scuffed and scruffy.

During the last hot spell these same areas melted and crumbled again but in addition we spotted a couple of other problems. One was a small indentation about the size of my thumb, the other a small patch which rose up out of the surface and crumbled. Towards the end of the hot spell at the end of last week we noticed that the driveway was no longer deteriorating so it finally appears to have settled down.

We contacted the company who laid it and although they were not keen to do anything, they agreed to get the tarmac assessed by an independent chemist.

This was about 4 weeks ago. I had heard nothing so phoned them on Tuesday (1st August). I got, I suppose, a predictable reaction.

First off they were surprised the analyst hadn’t written to us, but they were happy to point out that he had told them there was nothing wrong with the mixture they had used. They said they would prompt him to copy us in on his letter to them but I have not yet received anything.

They feel that this leaves them in the clear. They have agreed to meet with me and the analyst guy on site next week to discuss but I need to know where I can take this.

The driveway, which looked really nice a couple of months ago, now appears tatty and worn and we are not happy with it. But if they hide behind an independent report what can I do?

Help appreciated.

[Dave_L]

Do you happen to know what material was laid in what thicknesses? Compaction specification?

Do you turn a car in a restricted area with lots of power steering use? 4x4 or nice wide wheels on your car?

[LGDT]

Thanks for responding.

I can find out the thickness (or at least what was on the quote and invoice).

As regards driving on it. We are one of those rarities – double garage owners that use our garages. For the most part we drive straight in at night and back straight out in the morning.
Invariably this is the cooler part of the day when the sun and heat has gone off the front.

Both cars are medium sized saloons (Hyundai Accent and Citroen C4) and of these the only one that’s ever manoeuvred over the drive is the C4. We take to ensure that we never turn the steering wheel with the car stationery anyway.

For what it’s worth the worst of the damage occurred whilst we were out at work and the very first patches that crumbled were during a weekend when both cars were safely tucked away undercover.

[Dave_L]

Almost sounds as though it has been laid too thinly or is 'faulty' material.....but seeing as though it has been relaid, I'd hope not.

Did you actually see this 'analyst' guy turn up? I have a thought in the back of my mind that they are spoofing you along......i could be wrong!