Worn out tarmac - Assess the condition of a driveway

[Colin James]

I have been reading this site for about two years and have a question I hope you can help me with.
I am co-owner of a driveway, approx. 300m2.
The "deeds" says each owner is liable for half share of the "maintenance".

Question; What characteristics would you expect to see at the time when the driveway maintenance should be resurface or relaying?

Tony gave me his thoughts on the matter a while ago but as it now looks I will have to argue my case in court, I would like as many points of view as possible.

Regards,
Colin.

[Big Phil]

any signs of deep cracking, aggregate loss, deformation and any safety risk (tripping). essentially an asphalt surface is there to provide a smooth running surface with a degree of load support and waterproofing - although with private driveways aesthetics tend to create more of a concern to the owner than the performance.

how old is the drive? bitumen oxidises as it gets older and the asphalt becomes harder, so it will become dull and brittle over time.

[Colin James]

The driveway has standing water when it rains, worn through to sub-base in places, loose material on surface, uneven surface, 50mm under a 1m straight edge, vegetation and is at least 30 years since it had any resurfacing work done.
Now, I know what I think of it. I have also read BS 7370. The problem with the BS and other guidance is it assumes that if you find any of these things you will know that it needs repair!!!
I am being force to prove in Court that the driveway requires resurfacing as appropriate "maintenance".
If anyone has seen any published "ready reckoners" on this, I would appreciate a copy.

[Big Phil]

ideally an asphalt driveway should be 'level' and laid to a gradient to allow surface water run-off (unless you have a porous asphalt). there is a +/- tolerance of the level accuracy, but with loading deformation water will hold in these depressions. for a driveway of this age it is generally a sign of lower formation failure and will need re-building. a 50mm depression under a 1m straight edge sounds like a car park at slimming world! deformation can occur in the surface course, but this is usually observed pretty quickly.

As you can clearly see the subbase, the asphalt is probably laid too thin so was of a poor construction to start with. This may have been suitable 30 years ago, but nowadays with households having more cars, heavier 4x4's and all cars having power steering, the loading & stresses will have increased over time.

If vegetation is growing up through the asphalt then it needs sorting. if it's growing on top (e.g. moss) then sweep your garden cutting after mowing more regular :p .

30 years is a long time, and it certainly sounds to me that you need it sorted. The MPA have published a 'guide' on asphalt driveway construction. it's kinda vague but it gives info on the general construction finish that you may find interesting. http://www.mineralproducts.org/prod_asp02.htm

many british standards only cover the supply & laying guidelines (e.g. BS EN 594987) as opposed to the monitoring and investigation which are mainly associated with Highways Maintenance (SHW & DMRB).

Last resort may be to get a consultant to do a report on your drive.

[Tony McC]

I have a sneaky feeling that the IHT (Inst. Highways and Transportation) have a code of practice for quantifying the deterioration of a bitmac surface.

It's outside my remit, really, but it came up earlier this week when talking to a lady who is convinced the single track road outside her rural cottage is dangerously deteriorated and is fed-up with the council filling potholes with mac-in-a-sack that then last about 24 hours before going the same way as all the other half-hearted repairs.

[Colin James]

Thank you for that.

Big Phil; I and my neighbour both have had Building Surveyors look at it. Both said it should be re-surfaced as the most economical and practical way ahead. My neighbour takes the view that would be improvement. not "maintenance". Downloaded the publications, all good stuff

Tony McC; I found the IHT website and sent them an email.

I suppose I really have all the technical information and have taken photos of the surface condition, standing water, etc. Contactor starts next week and then on to the Courts.

[Colin James]

Would you believe it but some lawyers say that anything other than a wipe over with a damp cloth and feather duster is more than maintenance and is not covered by the Deeds?
Has anyone come across this problem before?

Regards,
Colin.

[Colin James]

This is a old post I know but the problem has not been resolved.
Because of problems with my lawyer, the work has not been done. I have issued a Writ against my neighbour and building up a case.
Does anyone know where I can pick up guidance as to how uneven a surface has to be before it becomes dangerous?
Maybe the sort of this the insurance companies use?

Regards,
Colin.

[lutonlagerlout]

I remember this post colin
have you considered that maybe your neighbour doesnt have the funds to do this work?
TBH i would move if its dragging on that long
all the best
LLL

[Colin James]

If only it were that simple.

No, money is not his problem.
I don't want to move, this is a beautiful house. I will try and get a 'photo posted. I simple could not afford to buy another house like this.
On the lager scale of things, my neighbour is a petty irritant.
The local police have used the expression of him "keeping just below the radar" for his antisocial attitudes.
The actual condition of the driveway is not in doubt, there are already two Building Surveyors Reports recommendinting total resurfacing. It is just that I like to have everything cover at least twice (and three times if I can do it.)

Colin.

[lutonlagerlout]

On the lager scale of things, my neighbour is a petty irritant.

he probably thinks the same of you :;):
no disrespect but I have had disputes with neighbours and its better to do your best to be pleasant to each other
once the legals are involved you have to declare it if you ever sell the property,thereby putting off prospective purchasers
good luck
LLL

[Mikey_C]

i remember seeing a tv program about the ambulance chasing where there i blame there's claim types. and a trip hazard to them (on a council pavement) was a change in height equivalent to the diameter of a 50p piece. however i feel my inane ramblings aren't going to be admissible in court.

[Colin James]

For those of you that have been reading this Forum for longer than is healthy may like to know this dispute is entering its slow, slow end game.

After the lawyers agreed to accept the advice of a Man of Skill, who said the driveway needed repair, my neighbour has submitted a estimate from his contractor. All well and good, but the contractor is suggesting 200 mm Type 1 at the entrance to the driveway and 100mm for most of the rest (where there will be three point turning), then 90mm base course and 30mm Carpave.
The Man of Skill report calls for 225mm throughout. The drive services two houses, currently with three cars, althought no. of cars can change anytime.
Given it has taken a lot of time, effort and money to get this far, I don't want to risk putting in a sub-base that might fail early.
The 100mm seems just too light for me.
Can anyone give me an opinion?

Regards,
Colin.

[Dave_L]

100 is a bit on the tight side but it does depend what the sub-grade is like.

Otherwise the spec is a little heavy on the basecourse (90mm!!)

Personally I'd like to see the subase thickened to 150mm and the binder brought down to 60mm, rolled.

[lutonlagerlout]

as dave said depending on your subgrade colin
100mm is tight
125-150 is better for cars
i think you only need 100mm of bitmac in 2 layers
bit mac is the expensive part of this drive
cheers LLL