Tarmac staining - Marks on surface

[newmember]

I have recently (two weeks ago) had a largish domestic drive resurfaced by a reputable contractor. I have an issue at present with the work since several unsightly sandy coloured streaks and patches have developed as the surface has dried. The company re-visited and suggested (verbally) it might be due to 'sludge' or 'rust' from the water tanks over the rollers, these perhaps not having been sufficiently washed out. I think it is also possible that the tarmac could have been contaminated by sub-base or sand in the contractor's lorry which fetched it.

The questions for you 'tarmacers' are
1) Is this acceptable
2) Can the surface be treated to remove the marks
3) Whilst the company are 'away' thinking about it, I would appreciate any suggestions as to how I might find an independent surveyor if needs be for a 'third opinion'.

[Kuts]

Rust marks will go in time with use.

When I've finished my drives I get the hose out and wash it all down just in case.

[Big Phil]

fresh tacky bitumen in the tarmac will retain most surface staining like dirty roller water i'm afraid. although unsightly, it will wear off over the years and have no detriment to it's engineering performance. it happens on the odd occasion but is only acceptable if you are happy with it. not sure what an independent consultant would offer tbh if the issue is purely aesthetic.

[newmember]

Thanks all - the unfortunate 'aesthetic' thing is that they managed to get the worst staining right outside the front door.

If it is 'dirty roller water' it would be useful to know how common this is (and thus 'acceptable') or whether you as a customer would expect more 'care'? What is this 'time'/'years' and is there any surface dressing that would eliminate it? If the problem is 'contaminated' tarmac from their lorry does that change the prognosis and is there any risk of deterioration and loss of durability of the surface?

[Dave_L]

It's not great - there isn't really any excuse for the water tank being rusty - but as has been said, the marks will disappear given time.

[Tony McC]

Rusty water marks are a fact of 'mac life. They tend to occur if a roller has been stood for any length of time, even just 3 or 4 days, but everyday use or flushing through the tanks before using the roller after it's been parked a while will often rid the system of any rust residue.

As everyone else has said, they are less than ideal, but have no effect whatsoever on the perfomance or longevity of the surface. If they are really annoying you, then a power wash with a rotary head attachment or a simple stiff brush with hot soap water will shift most if not all of the rust.

There are specialist rust removers on the market but why pay good money for summat that will disappear in a few weeks any way?

[Dave_L]

These marks could also be areas where the surfacing has been over-rolled and the aggregate colour has shown through. Again, nothing too much to worry about, it'll soon disappear.

OP - any chance of any pictures please?

[newmember]

Dave_L - sorry for delay - pics taken about 3 days after. Surface still a bit water-wet and the 'streaks' show up far more when dry.

Pic 1


Pic 2 - ignore the leaves


Pic 3

[Dave_L]

Thanks for the pictures.

There's nothing wrong with that, any slight staining will disappear given time, use and oxidation from sunlight.

I'll guarantee this time next year it won't be a problem.

[tarmal & Co]

That has a good finish to it.I have laid tarmac with brand new rollers and you still get the odd water marks even though the water tanks are clean,its the nature of tarmac not in any way detrimental to the tarmac itself.

[lutonlagerlout]

looks a good job from here
LLL

[Kuts]

Looks a decent job to me.

[loudog]

asphalt restorer but can only be done after 90 days

[Tony McC]

....by which time the stains and marks are likely to have weathered out.

I'd leave it now until March or later and see how it looks after a winter.