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Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 12:50 pm
by Rustynuts
Hi folks. I have an ongoing issue with a drive which is perishing and crumbling. Is there a sure fire way to check if the surface has been contaminated with something which has caused this? Or will I need a surveyor of some description to assess the situation, and if so where would I find one?
Thanks in advance.
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 2:45 pm
by seanandruby
Could be many things...oil spillage, deisal, freeze thaw, or just not layed to spec. Throw up some photo's for the lads to look at and the resident tarmac man ( Dave l ) would maybe know more.
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 3:11 pm
by Rustynuts
I don't have any good photos of the area I'm afraid, as I'm remote from the property. All I have are some poor quality ones which (for reasons I can't reveal at present) I cannot upload. Please understand, my query is regarding a means of accurately determining the cause, not a guess as to what may have happened. I need ideally a site investigation and report compiling from someone with relevant qualifications, and my question was who or what I should be looking for in this regard. Unfortunately, I believe opinions are not going to be any help if and when this issue moves to the next level, so I need a professional qualified report compiling.
Thanks.
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 4:15 pm
by seanandruby
You could narrow the search area down from "England" to more localised area. For instance Dave is based in Cornwall, other brew caniners are nation, even worldwide. Have you tried Mr Google ???
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 4:24 pm
by Rustynuts
I have tried Google, and to be honest the best advice I found was a forum called Paving Expert. 
I felt sure I could gain some good advice from there.
The area in question is North Yorks, btw.
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 5:39 pm
by rxbren
Is it recently laid tarmac?
Without pics you may as well be peeing in the wind
Don't think there is any sort of qualification specifically for tarmac beside nrswa which is more regs than testing of tarmac
Opinions and advice will only be available with pics
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 6:18 pm
by Rustynuts
No, the driveway is some 35 - 40 years old. As I said, I'm not asking for someone to look at pictures and make an assessment or give an opinion, as such things will simply get laughed out of Court. I require someone with "letters after their name" to write a report based on the state of the Bitmac and it's construction following a site survey. If there's no regulatory body for such an issue, or no recognised qualifications applicable to construction and structural integrity of Bitmac etc. then I will just have to run with a surveyor. Anyone who's had a run in with a solicitor who smells a fat fee will understand that opinions are like arseholes, and everyone has one. :;):
Thanks.
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 6:53 pm
by rxbren
Not sure if serious
At that age you were lucky for it to last that long you will have no chance of getting it sorted for free most companies only guarantee workmanship for a year or so let alone 35 years if by some miracle you actually find someone willing to take your money to go to court your going to lose just face facts that you will have to pay to get the drive resurfaced
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 7:02 pm
by Rustynuts
Deadly serious mate.
As I said, I can't say much at the moment, but when I've spoken with some professionals I'll know better and will update this thread then.
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 7:08 pm
by rxbren
Zero chance
Not even the government/highways agency can make a company repave a road they laid for free let alone 35+ years ago
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 8:27 pm
by GB_Groundworks
you need a chartered structural engineer, our engineer does court cases from a granny falling through a sewer man hole lid to a £300m sewage treatment scheme/plant that failed in oman
speak to the charted institute of civil engineers for a local chartered engineer who will compile you a report for court, be about £700 to £1000 id reckon for a drive report
as for a drive that 35-40 years old well you can but try
Edited By GB_Groundworks on 1472066899
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 8:43 pm
by Rustynuts
Thanks mate. I've since found a local Chartered Engineer firm (they came recommended to me by a colleague) and I'll be in contact with them in the morning.
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 12:57 pm
by Dave_L
A degrading bitmac surface that is 35/40 years old?? I'd say it has done rather well!
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 3:50 pm
by lutonlagerlout
our own gaffer Tony Mccormack does this kind of report,but bearing in mind the age 35-40 years and the fact there is a good chance that those who laid it are pushing up daisies it will be a tough call,most surfacing is only covered for 10 years labour wise,was it *fit for the purpose*
I would avoid court/solicitors at all costs as it costs you money and your health
LLL
Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2016 9:58 pm
by Forestboy1978
This must be a joke...