New tarmac driveway - Discolouration

[Pam]

3 weeks ago local contractor laid new tarmacadem drive. Very please at first, however, it has now become covered with light brown mud like stains. What is causing this? Contractor says it was rust on his roller and will eventually go away but it is very unsightly and we are obviously not happy with it.

[Dave_L]

Hi Pam - Relax. It will disappear as you use the driveway. The bitumen in the tarmac will oxidise as the sunlight hits it moreso during the summer months (lol) and it will fade to a light grey colour and you'll soon forget about it.

[Big Phil]

it's a real pain in the backside when this happens, and you have every right to be hacked off at your contractor. with due care it should be avoidable. the fresh sticky bitumen is easily stained and marked.

as Dave says, it'll disappear over time... but it may take several months. The fresh black surface will quickly turn grey and go lighter with age.

[WilliamEthen]

Spread dry dishwasher detergent on the stain after wetting it. Allow it to stand before pouring on boiling water, scrubbing, and rinsing.