Tarmac

Dark stripes on a new tarmac drive after 2 months are usually one of these common causes: • Roller marks/layering: If the tarmac was laid in sections, the joins or where the roller overlapped can stay darker as the surface cures and dries out at different speeds. • Bitumen rising: Tarmac naturally releases oils/bitumen as it settles and reacts to sun/rain; this often shows as darker streaks and normally fades evenly over 3–6 months. • Uneven compaction: If some areas were rolled firmer than others, they hold moisture longer and look darker until fully weathered. When to worry: If the stripes are raised, soft, or water pools there, it could mean poor base preparation or drainage. If it’s just colour variation, it will almost always blend out naturally over time. At Steadfast Roofing & Paving, we always explain this curing process to customers and offer a 5‑year guarantee on all our paving and tarmac work. — John