Did you know that 15th January is Pothole Day? Yes, there is a day to celebrate potholes… What a strange world we live in. Anyway, to celebrate we thought we’d share our favourite pothole joke. Q: What do you call a street full of potholes and ice cream? A: Rocky road! Boom boom! All joking aside potholes are a pain. And the recent rain and cold weather have caused untold damage not just to Sussex roads, in Petworth and beyond, but also to private driveways. If you’ve decided that 2021 is the year of the new driveway, then we can help. But first back to potholes…
What causes potholes?
If you’ve been getting a bumpy ride as you return home your tarmac driveway may have developed potholes. These are caused when water has found its way underneath the surfacey, expanding and freezing in cold weather. As it thaws, it contracts, leaving weak spots where more water gathers. As vehicles pass over the weak spots, their weight eventually causes the weakened tarmac to break up leaving potholes.
Repair or replace?
And that is the question we are often asked! Our answer generally depends on a few things. One factor is to consider the extent of the damage to your driveway. If you have surface cracks, rather than potholes, these may be repairable. You should also consider the age of your driveway. A well-laid tarmac driveway should last for around twenty years. If it hasn’t been replaced during this time, it might be time to consider a new driveway. And finally, it’s wise to consider what lies beneath… If you’re seeing surface water on your driveway you may have drainage issues. If these underlying issues aren’t addressed any damage will simply reoccur. As groundwork specialists based close to Petworth in West Sussex, we are always happy to offer an expert opinion on any drainage issues.
Often, the overriding consideration when deciding whether to repair or replace is cost. It stands to reason that replacement will always be more expensive than repair. But it’s also true that repair can be a false investment if the surface is past its best.
What are your new driveway options?
At Timberley Projects, we offer several different driveway solutions. These include tarmac, concrete, gravel and resin-bound. You can find out more about the surface options we offer HERE.
