Road Surfacing

Our team have vast road surfacing experience working with both asphalt concrete and concrete materials. We implement a range of surface preparation and road maintenance techniques to ensure road surfaces are of the highest quality.

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 bitumen, is a material made from a mixture of aggregates, such as crushed stone or sand, and a binder, typically 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.

One of the main differences between tarmac and asphalt is the binder used in each material. Tarmac uses tar as a binder, while asphalt uses asphalt cement. Tar is a by-product of the coal industry and has a distinct odour and toxicity, while asphalt cement is a petroleum-based product that is less toxic and more commonly used in road construction.

Another difference between tarmac and asphalt is their durability and lifespan. While both materials can provide a long-lasting road surface, asphalt is generally considered more durable and longer-lasting than tarmac. This is because asphalt can withstand heavier traffic and harsher weather conditions without deteriorating as quickly as tarmac.

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 that is 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 add a layer of aggregate base course material and then compact it to create a stable foundation for the asphalt surface. Once the base is properly prepared, the asphalt is applied in several layers.

The first layer of asphalt applied is known as the binder course; this consists of a coarser grade of aggregate and a thicker layer of asphalt cement. This layer helps to provide a stable base for the final surface layer and to fill any gaps or irregularities in the base.

After the binder course has been applied and compacted, the final surface layer of asphalt is applied. This layer typically consists of a finer aggregate grade and a thinner layer of asphalt cement. The surface layer is then compacted to create a smooth and uniform surface for the road.

One of the main advantages of asphalt is its flexibility, which allows it to withstand the natural movements of the underlying soil without cracking or breaking easily. Asphalt is also highly resistant to weathering and UV radiation, which can cause other road materials to deteriorate over time. Additionally, the use of asphalt overlays can enhance the life of asphalt surfacing and maintain skid resistance.

Asphalt roads are also easily repaired and maintained. Small cracks and potholes can be easily filled with asphalt patches, while larger repairs can be made by milling off the damaged section and replacing it with new asphalt. Regular maintenance activities such as seal coating can also help extend the lifespan of any existing road surface.

Asphalt can have susceptibility to damage from heavy vehicles over time, especially during hot weather conditions when the asphalt can become soft and susceptible to deformation. This can cause ruts and other damage to the asphalt surfaces that will need repairing.

Asphalt road surfacing is a highly effective method for constructing durable and safe roadways that withstand heavy traffic and harsh environmental conditions. Here at Quinn, we are professional road contractors and can ensure your asphalt road is built on time using only best-practice techniques to improve the longevity of your new road.

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.

Asphalt road repair is common maintenance work we provide that involves 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.

The process typically involves the following steps:

Preparation

The damaged area of the road surface is prepared by removing any loose debris, dirt, or other materials. This may involve using a broom, air compressor, or other tools to clean the area and ensure that it is free of any loose materials that could interfere with the repair process.

Filling

Once the area is prepared, the damaged area is filled with asphalt patching material. This material is typically a combination of asphalt cement and aggregate, which is mixed together to create a paste that can be easily applied to the damaged area. The material is then spread over the damaged area and compacted using a tamper or roller to create a smooth surface.

Crack Sealing

After the patching material has been applied and compacted, a seal coat may be applied to the surface to protect it from further damage. This involves applying a thin layer of asphalt emulsion or other sealant to the surface of the repair area. The sealant helps to prevent water and other materials from penetrating the surface and causing further damage.

Curing

The repaired area is then left to cure for a period of time, typically several hours or overnight. During this time, the patching material and sealant will harden and bond to the surrounding surface, creating a strong and durable repair.

Finishing

Once the repair has cured, any excess material or debris is removed from the surface, and the repair area is inspected to ensure that it has been properly filled and sealed. If necessary, additional patching or sealing may be applied to ensure that the repair is complete and effective.

By keeping on top of potholes and damage to roads we can increase the lifespan of roads through regular maintenance work and general 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 buildup.

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 specialized 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.

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.