The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:02 pm**

Hi All, I`m looking for some advice please;

My existing driveway is crumbling from about 1/3rd of the way down to the bottom of the drive / at the bottom there some is soild foundation and some what appears to be simply dirt/mud.

The drive itself rises steeply from the main road / I have been told the existing drive would be left in place as has compacted base for tarmacadam to be laid on, 2inch base 1inch top coat.

Does this sound OK as I am concerned the tarmac will sink and crack. can anyone reccomend a contractor in Newport S.Wales

Appreciate any help/comments as I really have no idea what should be done.

Thanks

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:10 pm**

tarmac onto concrete is not something thats recommended.

If the existing drive has started to crumble, then it will affect the black top in years to come.

DaveL should clarify this more clearly. he's the tarmac expert

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:24 pm**

Thanks for the information, my original drive has what seems to be a very rough tarcmac and where its crumbling I have lots of what seems to be small loose black stones - does that make a differance ?

Thanks for your help

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:28 pm**

It might

If the existing drive is tarmac, then they might overlay, only if it is suitably laid in the first place.
if the old drive is tarmac on soil, then it sounds like the best option is rip it all up and start again.
If the exisiting subbase is ok, then your fine.
Apart from the crumbling, has the drive got and dips in it?

if not, it would suggest a firm subbase, in which case an overlay might be the answer.

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:37 pm**

The existing driveway on on a steep slope/incline but does not have any noticeable dips, there are 2 slight dips/worn area at the top of the drive where I reverse my car upto - so do you think an Overlay would be OK then and what about the bottom area of the drive where the base is mud/dirt and bits of what appears to be rough tarmac surface?

Thanks again for your advice

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:42 pm**

if it is on dirt, then ideally you want to dig this area up and replace with a suitable subbase, htne the tarmac.

A photo of the area would be even better!

we can assess more easily then

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2010 1:46 pm**

I am away from home at the moment so will take a photo at the weekend and put on the forum message

Thanks again much appreciated

The Brew Cabin

Driveway advice - Existing driveway needs replacing