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Most of the UK’s road network is made up of asphalt road surfacing, with concrete roads used in areas of very heavy use, such as airports, shipping ports and traffic-intensive industrial estates.
As a leading Highways contractor in the UK, we can provide the right surface for any specific purpose or project.
Tarmac and Asphalt Surfacing
Tarmac and asphalt are two common materials used in road construction and surfacing. While they may be used interchangeably in everyday language, there are some differences between the two.
Tarmac is a brand name for a type of road surfacing material that was originally developed by a British company called Tarmac Limited. Tarmac is a mixture of tar and aggregate, typically crushed stone or gravel, that is heated and laid onto a road surface. Tarmac has a distinctive black colour and a slightly rough texture.
Asphalt, also known as blacktop or bitumen, is a material made from a mixture of aggregates, such as crushed stone or sand, and asphalt cement. Asphalt is typically heated and then laid onto a road surface in multiple layers to create a durable and long-lasting road surface. Asphalt is black and has a smooth, shiny surface when properly laid and compacted.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Tarmac
- Pros: Quicker to lay, often cost-effective, suitable for smaller areas like driveways and footpaths.
- Cons: More prone to degradation under heavy/continuous traffic, can soften in very high temperatures.
Asphalt
- Pros: Highly durable, flexible (reduces cracking), and better for large-scale roads or highways with heavy traffic.
- Cons: Can be susceptible to rutting over time and may require periodic sealing or overlays to prevent damage.
We often lay driveways and public walkways using tarmac surfacing, but for highways and main roads, asphalt surfacing will provide a more durable surface for traffic and require less maintenance over the long term.
Asphalt Pavements Road Surfacing
Asphalt road surfacing is the most popular method for constructing durable and safe roadways that can withstand heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions.
Asphalt, also known as bitumen, is a sticky, black, and highly viscous material produced from crude oil. When mixed with aggregates, such as crushed stone or sand, it creates a highly durable and long-lasting material widely used in road construction.
The process of asphalt road surfacing typically begins with preparing the base of the road. This involves grading and compacting the subgrade; we then add a layer of aggregate base course material and compact it to create a stable foundation for the asphalt surface. Once the base is properly prepared, the asphalt is applied in several layers.
Binder Course and Surface Course
Binder Course
- A coarser grade of aggregate mixed with asphalt cement.
- Provides a stable foundation, filling any gaps or irregularities in the base.
Surface Course
- A finer grade of aggregate with asphalt cement.
- Compacting creates a smooth, uniform driving surface.
Asphalt’s flexibility allows it to withstand natural movements of the underlying soil without cracking or breaking easily. It is also highly resistant to weathering and UV radiation, which can cause other road materials to deteriorate over time. Additionally, the use of asphalt reinforcement products can extend the life of asphalt surfacing and maintain skid resistance.
Maintenance Tip: Small cracks and potholes can be easily filled with asphalt patches, while larger repairs can be done by milling off the damaged section and replacing it with fresh asphalt. Regular seal coating also helps preserve the surface.
We Repair Asphalt Roads
Quinn Developments offers comprehensive services for asphalt surfaces, ensuring a smooth and durable surface for roads and parking lots. The process begins with thorough surface preparation, including grading and levelling, followed by the application of a base layer. Hot asphalt mix is then laid and compacted using heavy rollers to achieve a dense, long-lasting pavement.
The advantages of asphalt include its flexibility, which helps resist cracking, and its relatively quick installation time, making it a popular choice for various infrastructure projects.
Road Maintenance Techniques
Asphalt road repair is common maintenance work we provide, involving filling in cracks, potholes, and other forms of damage to the road surface. Surface treatment is also used in asphalt road repair to improve durability and extend the lifespan of the road surface.
Preparation: The damaged area of the road surface is cleaned of loose debris, dirt, or other materials using tools like brooms or air compressors.
Filling: The damaged area is filled with an asphalt patching material—a combination of asphalt cement and aggregate—spread over the damaged area and compacted for a smooth finish.
Crack Sealing: After patching, a seal coat may be applied to protect it from further damage. This thin layer of asphalt emulsion or sealant helps prevent water infiltration.
Curing: The repaired area is left to cure for several hours or overnight, allowing the patching material to harden and bond to the surrounding surface.
Finishing: Excess material is cleared, and the surface is inspected. Additional patching or sealing can be applied if needed.
By keeping on top of potholes and damage, roads can achieve a longer lifespan through regular maintenance work and repairs.
Tarmac Surface Dressing
For tarmac installation, Quinn Developments follows a meticulous procedure to ensure a high-quality finish. The process starts with cleaning and preparing the existing surface, followed by the application of a binder layer to improve adhesion.
Hot tarmac is then spread and compacted to create a smooth and even surface. Tarmac is known for its durability and weather resistance, making it ideal for driveways, pathways, and roads. Its cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance further enhance its appeal.
Things to Consider With Road Surfacing
Road surfacing is a critical component of road construction that requires careful consideration to ensure that the surface is safe, durable, and able to withstand heavy traffic and different weather types here in the UK.
When deciding on the best road surface for your project, you should take into consideration the following:
Surface Type: The type and quality of materials used for road surfacing can have a significant impact on the durability and performance of the road surface. Factors such as the expected traffic volume, climate, and local soil conditions should all be considered when selecting the appropriate materials.
Whilst Asphalt is the most common road material type used in the UK, some roads are built with concrete and tarmac.
Concrete pavements are often chosen for their ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles, offering a longer service life and minimal maintenance compared to asphalt surfaces. Additionally, concrete surfaces reflect solar radiation, contributing less to air temperature rises in urban areas.
Road Foundations: We need to consider the road foundations and what we plan to build the road on.
Proper preparation of the existing road surface is essential for a successful road construction project. Techniques such as planing, overlaying, and applying new materials can improve the durability and overall condition of the road.
Work will involve grading and compacting the subgrade, adding a layer of aggregate base course material, and then compacting it to create a stable foundation for the road surface.
Compaction: Compaction is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of the road. Maintaining skid resistance is also important to ensure road safety, especially in wet conditions.
Proper compaction of the road surface is critical for ensuring that it is uniform and durable. We use using specialised equipment in compaction such as vibratory rollers, which can help to ensure that the surface is evenly compacted and free of air pockets.
Regular Maintenance: Maintenance activities such as surface-dressed treatments are necessary to keep the road in good condition and safe over an extended time period..
This may include activities such as patching, crack sealing, and resurfacing as needed, as well as regular inspections and cleaning to prevent debris build-up.
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of road surfacing should also be considered when designing and constructing road surfaces. This may involve using sustainable materials or incorporating green infrastructure into the design of the road surface.
Using sustainable materials and green infrastructure in surface treatments can significantly reduce the environmental impact of road construction projects. Surface treatments like surface dressing, micro surfacing, and recycling are effective in maintaining road quality while being environmentally friendly.
Thickness: The thickness of the road surface is an important factor in ensuring its durability and performance. The thickness of the surface will depend on factors such as the expected traffic volume and the type of materials used.
Concrete Road Surfacing
Concrete road surfacing is used to create long-lasting roadways in the UK. Concrete is a hard, strong, and durable material that can withstand heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and other environmental factors.
Concrete road surfacing is typically used in areas where heavy traffic is expected, such as highways, airports, and industrial zones. Concrete is also commonly used in areas where extreme weather conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles, can cause other road materials to deteriorate rapidly.
Unfortunately, concrete roads can cost more, making it less feasible for smaller or less heavily trafficked roads. In addition, concrete can be more difficult and time-consuming to repair than other road materials, which can cause disruptions to traffic flow during repair activities.
Concrete road surfacing is a highly effective method for constructing durable and long-lasting roadways in the UK.
By carefully considering the specific needs of each project and working with our experienced team, we can create high-quality concrete road surfaces that provide reliable and safe transportation for many years to come.
Pothole Repair Services
Pothole repairs maintain road safety and extend the lifespan of roads. Here at Quinn we use several techniques to address potholes, including patching, full-depth repair, and infrared asphalt restoration.
Patching involves cleaning the damaged area and filling it with a suitable material. Full-depth repair requires removing the damaged pavement and replacing it entirely.
Infrared asphalt restoration uses heat to blend new asphalt with existing pavement seamlessly.
These methods are selected based on the extent of damage and the specific needs of the road or surface being repaired.
Potholes are a common problem on roads, and they can pose a significant safety hazard for drivers and other road users. To repair potholes, Quinn Developments follows a series of steps:
Cleaning the Pothole: The first step in repairing a pothole is to clean out any debris, loose asphalt, or other materials that may be inside the hole. This is typically done using a high-pressure air compressor or a specialized vacuum truck.
Preparing the Pothole: Once the pothole has been cleaned, it is important to prepare the area for repair. This may involve cutting out any loose or damaged asphalt around the hole’s edges to create a clean, square edge.
Applying Patching Material: The next step is to apply patching material to the pot hole. This material typically consists of a combination of asphalt cement and aggregate, which is mixed together to create a paste that can be easily applied to the damaged area.
Compacting the Patching Material: Once the patching material has been applied, it is compacted using a vibratory roller or other specialised equipment to ensure it is evenly distributed and well-bonded to the surrounding asphalt.
Finishing the Repair: After the patching material has been compacted, any excess material or debris is removed from the surface, and the repair area is inspected to ensure it has been properly filled and compacted. If necessary, additional patching or sealing may be applied to ensure that the repair is complete and effective.
More Road Surface Materials
While asphalt, tarmac, and concrete are central to UK road surfacing, there are additional types of surfaces that can be considered depending on usage, budget, and location:
Bituminous Seals & Slurries
Bituminous seals and slurries consist of a binder (often bitumen) mixed with fine aggregates. Techniques such as surface dressing, slurry seals, and Cape seals create a waterproof layer at a lower cost than full asphalt.
Pros:
- Cost-effective for lower-volume roads.
- Protects underlying layers from water ingress.
- Easier manual application in smaller areas.
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan compared to asphalt or concrete.
- Not as durable under heavy traffic.
- Susceptible to cracking if not maintained.
Gravel Roads
Also called “unsealed roads,” gravel surfaces are engineered to protect the structural base. While common in rural or low-traffic areas, regular upkeep is necessary for best results.
Pros:
- Lower initial cost.
- Easy to maintain with grading and compacting.
- Suitable for low-traffic roads and rural areas.
Cons:
- Requires frequent maintenance, especially in high-rainfall regions.
- Generates dust, can have lower skid resistance.
- Not ideal for steep gradients or heavy loads.
Block Paving
Used for centuries, block or cobble paving is popular in urban environments. Modern concrete block options are less expensive than natural stone sets and can withstand heavier loads if installed correctly.
Pros:
- Highly durable and resistant to chemical spills.
- Low maintenance; damaged blocks are individually replaceable.
- Aesthetic appeal with a range of colours and textures.
Cons:
- More expensive than plain concrete for large areas.
- Blocks can loosen over time if not properly bedded and maintained.
- Weeds may grow in the joints if not cleaned periodically.
Adding these extra surface types to your consideration helps ensure you choose a material that balances cost, longevity, traffic demands, and aesthetic needs.
Contact Us
If you are starting a new road construction project or need to maintain your existing road surface, you can contact our friendly team on 0151 345 6551. Here you can discuss more details about the project with our road surface engineers and enquire about our services.
FAQs
What is the difference between asphalt and tarmac? 
Asphalt and tarmac are both common materials used for road surfacing, but there are some important differences between the two. Tarmac is a brand name for a type of road surfacing material that is made from tar and crushed stone or gravel. Asphalt, on the other hand, is a material made from a mixture of aggregates, such as crushed stone or sand, and asphalt cement.
What are the benefits of asphalt road surfacing? 
Asphalt road surfacing is a popular choice for road construction due to its durability, strength, and resistance to weathering and UV radiation. Asphalt is also flexible, allowing it to withstand natural movements of the underlying soil without cracking or breaking. Additionally, asphalt road surfacing is easily repaired and maintained, making it a cost-effective option for many road projects.
How long does it take to resurface a road? 
The time it takes to resurface a road depends on various factors, such as the size and complexity of the road, the materials being used, and weather conditions. Generally, resurfacing a road can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
