Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 7:42 pm
I have just had an old tarmac drive relaid. I arranged it through a builder who did a garage conversion, built a porch and laid a patio for me. I trust him and his work is of a good standard. However, I have concerns about the drive. He has sub contracted the work to a company unknown to me. I told him that I was concerned that the old drive had weeds, including Mare's Tail in it. He said that he would put a membrane down to prevent the weeds. However when I came home from work last week half the drive had been covered in a base coat of tarmac. It was apparent that the contractor had a quantity left and wanted to use it up. My builder had arranged for the drive to be laid this Wednesday and was surprised when I told him what had happened. I told him that I had expected a membrane to be put down under the tarmac. I also pointed out that some of the tarmac close to the edging stones was too high and there was no space for the top coat of tarmac (I had consulted your site on recommended depths!) Also in places the base layer stones were visible. I'm not sure how critical this is as the tarmac is going on a compacted site where there was tarmac previously.
To day I spoke to the builder and he told me that he had spoken to the tarmac company, he had also purchased the membrane and that the membrane would be placed between the base tarmac and top coat. I gave this some thought and it didn't seem right to me. I was going to speak to him again tomorrow before the tarmac was laid on Wednesday. However when I arrived home from work to day I found that the drive had been finished, complete with membrane between the layers of tarmac!
I am now worried that the layers will not bond properly and that I will have problems with the drive.
What do you think and how long should a well laid tarmac drive last?
I haven't paid the balance on the drive yet and am loathe to do so until I have obtained independent advice. Where might I get this if I end up in a dispute?
I have pointed out to the builder that the contract for the work is with him and that if there are problems I will be seeking redress from him.
I'd really appreciate your advice on how to proceed.
To day I spoke to the builder and he told me that he had spoken to the tarmac company, he had also purchased the membrane and that the membrane would be placed between the base tarmac and top coat. I gave this some thought and it didn't seem right to me. I was going to speak to him again tomorrow before the tarmac was laid on Wednesday. However when I arrived home from work to day I found that the drive had been finished, complete with membrane between the layers of tarmac!
I am now worried that the layers will not bond properly and that I will have problems with the drive.
What do you think and how long should a well laid tarmac drive last?
I haven't paid the balance on the drive yet and am loathe to do so until I have obtained independent advice. Where might I get this if I end up in a dispute?
I have pointed out to the builder that the contract for the work is with him and that if there are problems I will be seeking redress from him.
I'd really appreciate your advice on how to proceed.