A practical surface
Many homes in Hartlepool already have an old tarmac drive that has cracked, rutted or sunk at the edges. A new one starts with digging out the failed layers, then a properly compacted stone sub-base. Hot tarmac goes down as a base course and a finer surface course, each rolled tight. The edges are restrained with block paving, kerbs or timber-free steel edging so the tarmac doesn't crumble.
Black or coloured
Standard black tarmac is the most common, but red and other coloured surface courses are available. A border of block paving in the same or a contrasting colour softens the look and gives a clean line along lawns and paths.
Water and the rules
Ordinary tarmac is not porous. On a front garden over five square metres, rain has to run to a soakaway, a drainage channel or a permeable area within your own property, or the drive needs planning permission. Porous asphalt is an option where space for a soakaway is tight. We set out the falls before the surface goes down so water stays off the house and the pavement.
Care
A new tarmac drive softens slightly in hot spells, so avoid turning the steering wheel while stationary for the first few weeks. After that, a brush and an occasional weed is all it needs.
