Bitmac drive problems - Need some advice please!

[Drphibeswax]

I'm hoping somebody on the forum will be able to offer some advice regarding the driveway of a new build property I purchased in 2012. The property is one of two houses in a mirror image with a "shared" driveway with room for four cars widthways.

We moved in to the new build on 29th June 2012 and the driveway hadn't been surfaced when we moved in. Four days after moving in, we returned home from work and the drive had been just laid with bitmac; I am unsure of the composition but have requested the specifications from the builder.

When we arrived home, on the day the drive had been surfaced, the groundworkers advised us that we could park on it immediately. Of course, the surface became scuffed and pitted as soon as we drove on it, but we were advised that this would "bed in".

The weather was warm over the next few days and, every time we drove in and out of the drive, the surface scuffed and chunks of the top surface became loose and detached. The problem got worse as contractors were visiting in vans and lorries to complete outstanding works with the house and making the problem worse.

We have reported this to the housebuilders, who have denied that this is a defect with the driveway as it is due to "the use of vehicles fitted with power steering" which has caused the problem.

In addition to the above, we have found 3 holes, approx 1" by 0.5" by 0.5" deep dotted around the drive, as well as several areas where the bitmac does not meet the house.

The housebuilder has refused to investigate these defects, so we have involved the NHBC.

Now the weather has warmed up again, the surface is again scuffing and the suburface is becoming molten when warm, causing the top layer to become loose and detached.

I would really appreciate any advice regarding how this could have happended and if the forum feels that the homebuilder is correct in stating that this is not a defect?

My opinion is that the driveway should be fit for purpose and should withstand the use of vehicles with power steering.

Thanks!

[dig dug dan]

I am not a tarmac expert, but i am guessing you should have stayed off it for a few days. I know daveL has mentioned the power steering problem before, but that shouldnt cuase a problem after a few weeks

[Dave_L]

With a new bitmac pavement I always ask people to stay off it for three days after laying and to be extra-careful during periods of hot weather when the black surface will absorb the suns rays and retain high levels of heat.

A picture of the affected areas would eb so handy in this case.

[loudog]

I agree and come across this a lot. They shouldn't have allowed you on so early also a drive can come back to life many months after being laid, specially if hand laid. As tarmac is black it attracts the sun not reflects it. Sometimes if possible get them back on a hot day to roll it back in and maybe a little bit grit applied.