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Is it necessary to dig up an existing tarmac driveway if re-surfacing?
Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.41 PM
We have a an exsting tarmac driveway that could do with freshneing up. We were initially going to expand the driveway area but have noe decided to just resurface the existing area. The question is will it sill be necessary to dig up the old one in order to refresh it? The base "looks" solid and I was wondering why the repairs can't be like on road surfaces with the top layer is renewed if the base is still intact.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
1 Answer
ESC SURFACING CONTRACTORS
Rating: 5 out of 5
There are a few factors that have to be considered before you over-lay an existing tarmac surface
(1) the current condition of the surface
(2) The levels and the height of the current surface in relation to the DPC ,
Entrances and other junctions , drain and man hole covers can be adjusted as
required
Providing the surface is sound and the levels will not be Obote 150mm below DPC you can overlay on top of a tarmac surface ,
It’s a process that should undertaken with a Specialist with experience ,
The surface must be totally clean and free of debris and a bitumen Tac coat primer must be applied to bond the new surface to the old surface ,
Overlaying a old tarmac driveway should be done with a 6mm or 10mm sized aggregate surface course and laid between 25mm and 35mm in depth
Answered18 April 2026
10