The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Tue Sep 25, 2012 1:09 am**

hello. some months ago some building works were carried out by private contractors, they needed to dig out a trench roughy 10 inches wide and 15 ft long on part of my drive. To make good they tarmac'd the area and covered with shingle, however after 2 months I noticed it was still soft. They agreed to do it again. That was a week ago and I just checked it and it's the same, soft enough to push your thumb into it and very sticky.

Not too sure of the product they are using but here's a pic

I dug that chunk out with a pen!

Before I call them any idea's of what product they probably used?

Many thanks

Posted: **Tue Sep 25, 2012 5:48 am**

They've used deferred set macadam, available in bags or tubs from builders merchants. Not ideal.

You need expensive plant and equipment to handle macadam, they as builders probably don't have it - and so used this cheaper cold-lay alternative.

I'd have them back and demand a proper reinstatement. I guess you've paid up in full now?

Posted: **Tue Sep 25, 2012 8:37 am**

TBH shingle over tarmac isn't needed and is more hassle long term the trench should've been filled with compacted layers of Type 1 stone which provides a better subbase for gravel and shaingle and would be cheaper too.

Posted: **Tue Sep 25, 2012 9:03 am**

thanks for the speedy response.

Posted: **Tue Sep 25, 2012 11:39 am**

Deferred Set Bitmac

The Brew Cabin

Soft tarmac