Cold-mix tarmac is an inexpensive bitumen-based surfacing material used for quick pothole repairs and small paving jobs, such as gravel driveways. While less costly than hot mix asphalt suppliers, cold mix is not suitable for larger job sites or pavement laying jobs.

Once machine-rolled tarmac is completed, it should be immediately ready for use; however, there are certain factors that can prolong this process.

How long does it take to set?

Cold-mix bitumen surfacing is designed for use on damaged or potholed surfaces as a quick, cost-effective method to repair them quickly and easily. Plus, its lack of heating requirements makes laying it even simpler!

This type of surface consists of broken stones of uniform size that have been bound with tar or bitumen to form layers for paving and road repair purposes. It provides an efficient alternative to having to hire contractors to remove old tarmac and replace it, saving both time and money! It is also much quicker and cheaper.

Before applying a patch of cold tarmac, it is vitally important to prepare its vertical edges by compacting and levelling out its surrounding area with either a spade or small roller; this will allow it to bond more securely as well as help avoid any future movement of the patch once applied.

After installing new tarmac, it’s crucial that it sit for 12–24 hours before opening it to traffic. Water can react with asphalt and cause serious problems if allowed to sit too long, damaging its integrity. When undertaking pothole repairs during wet weather, look for products such as Permanent Pothole Repair Wet or Tough Patch; these are designed specifically for wet conditions.

The day of application

If you’re on a tight budget and searching for an economical paving solution, nothing beats tarmac as a material to use on driveways. Tarmac costs less than concrete while providing just as much durability, making it one of the more popular choices available today.

Before you can lay tarmac, the site must first be prepared. While this process can take some time, it’s worth it in the end, as tarmac dries fast and is ready for traffic within five to eight hours of installation.

Before applying tarmac, it’s vitally important to check the weather forecast, particularly if rain is predicted in the near future. Asphalt is a weatherproof material once fully cured, but exposure to rain before that point can force oil from its bitumen component out and make asphalt repel water from being applied, leading it to wash away completely from its intended place in a driveway—something which would be very undesirable indeed!

Heating can help speed up cold-lay tarmac installation. One way is by passing a propane rosebush torch over your bag or bucket of surfacing materials; just one light pass will activate their binder and soften up their material again.

The day after the application

Cold-mix asphalt should last no more than two seasons before needing to be replaced with something more permanent. Depending on weather conditions, new surfaces may take several days before they are strong enough for heavier traffic; this should prevent you from accidentally scuffing them while stationary for at least a couple weeks, as this accelerates wear and tear.

Cold-lay tarmac should be laid during the spring or summer when conditions are both warm and dry to maximise success. Rain should also be avoided to minimise disruption caused by curing asphalt, which reacts with liquid moisture, causing failure of its formation.

It is crucial that cold-lay tarmac be laid at an appropriate depth and compacted thoroughly in order to ensure it sets correctly and doesn’t lead to failures in subsequent applications.

A quality tamper should always be used when repairing potholes and other areas of the road, helping to flatten and smooth repairs with greater precision and less fuss. Furthermore, wetting regularly prevents tarmac from sticking to its tool and becoming clogged up over time.

The day after that

The weather plays an essential part in how quickly tarmac sets. Rain in the next 12–24 hours after installation will interfere with its curing process and compromise it; exposed tarmac may experience oil loss that leads to separation from its substrate, possibly dislodging itself entirely from any ground or concrete on which it was being laid.

Cold-mix asphalt suppliers installation can be challenging in extreme heat as its mixture already contains moisture; adding any additional moisture would compromise installation and result in poor finishes. Due to this risk, laying tarmac during rain, even a light drizzle, should be avoided for this purpose.

Water the roller or tamper regularly to prevent Cold Lay Macadam from sticking and picking up as it sets. A light dusting with dry sand or dust should also be done post-compaction to help avoid becoming sticky and damaging the finish. For full driveway resurfacing or paving an entire new driveway, this process may take several days before vehicles can safely drive on it.