New tarmac drive - Membrane

[Linda F]

I have just had an old tarmac drive relaid. I arranged it through a builder who did a garage conversion, built a porch and laid a patio for me. I trust him and his work is of a good standard. However, I have concerns about the drive. He has sub contracted the work to a company unknown to me. I told him that I was concerned that the old drive had weeds, including Mare's Tail in it. He said that he would put a membrane down to prevent the weeds. However when I came home from work last week half the drive had been covered in a base coat of tarmac. It was apparent that the contractor had a quantity left and wanted to use it up. My builder had arranged for the drive to be laid this Wednesday and was surprised when I told him what had happened. I told him that I had expected a membrane to be put down under the tarmac. I also pointed out that some of the tarmac close to the edging stones was too high and there was no space for the top coat of tarmac (I had consulted your site on recommended depths!) Also in places the base layer stones were visible. I'm not sure how critical this is as the tarmac is going on a compacted site where there was tarmac previously.

To day I spoke to the builder and he told me that he had spoken to the tarmac company, he had also purchased the membrane and that the membrane would be placed between the base tarmac and top coat. I gave this some thought and it didn't seem right to me. I was going to speak to him again tomorrow before the tarmac was laid on Wednesday. However when I arrived home from work to day I found that the drive had been finished, complete with membrane between the layers of tarmac!

I am now worried that the layers will not bond properly and that I will have problems with the drive.

What do you think and how long should a well laid tarmac drive last?

I haven't paid the balance on the drive yet and am loathe to do so until I have obtained independent advice. Where might I get this if I end up in a dispute?

I have pointed out to the builder that the contract for the work is with him and that if there are problems I will be seeking redress from him.

I'd really appreciate your advice on how to proceed.

[MatthewWakeman]

well thats a first a membrane between coats - complete twinkle he's forgot or in this case the tarmac'ers have jumped the gun. What to do now is the quandry. Demand that the membrane be put down under the Mot subbase where it should be and risk losing the goodwill of the builder ?? or as the membrane has no real effect on stopping weeds ( not much can grow without sun light and tthere aint much under 100mm of hot rolled tarmac ) hit him for a discount and get him to repair the old leaky guttering around the back for free..

regards

matthew
drivewaycompany.co.uk

[Stuarty]

ive also never heard of a membrane between the coats, does seem strange to me. Just watch that no mares tail starts to grow near the edges of your new drive, it wont be long before it attacks the tar. Also note that it is a very hardy weed, and can lie dormant, and weed killer struggles to kill it.

[Linda F]

Thanks for this reply. Do you think there's likely to be a problem with the layers bonding? Once it gets frosty is the top layer likely to start cracking and lifting?

The membrane used is apparently called "Terrain"

[MatthewWakeman]

you mean terram

provided the layers were laid the same day then no but if the first layer has been down a while before the wearing course ( top layer ) goes on then a tack coat ( sticky black Stuff ) would be required

regards

matthew
drivewaycompany.co.uk

[Dave_L]

Half the drive had been based up? Had the bad, broken portions been removed or was the base to regulate the levels etc? Or was it just dumped/levelled/rolled on top of the existing as a way of disposing of surplus material?

Sounds a novel way for using Terram though! Can't see the surface course having a long life as it is.......

Tarmac driveway should be good for 20 yrs if laid and specc'd properly. We've recently relaid a driveway in our local town that we did 21 years ago.

[Linda F]

The old tarmac was dug out and removed, but the stones and builders rubble that was there when the property was first built was left in place.

The property was built in the mid 60's and the original drive was still in place though crumbling badly and with weeds breaking it up further.

Incidentally what sort of guarantee would a reputable tarmac firm be giving for a new drive and can anyone recommend one in the Leicestershire area?! (looks like I might be needing one unless I opt for those block paviors)