What is the difference between Bitmac and Tarmac®?
Bitmac is very similar to Tarmac® which is made by using tar to bond together crushed stone particles. Bitmac’s main difference lies in the fact that it uses bitumen, rather than tar, to bond the aggregates together. Bitmac isn’t as hard-wearing as asphalt, as it lasts approximately 10 to 15 years rather than 25 to 30 years. However, a residential driveway will experience a lot less wear and tear than a car park or public road.
The benefits of bitmac
Bitmac is far less prone to damage due to fuel leaks, and is more durable than some other products. Its bitumen bonding agent is more flexible than tar, and is better at weathering the elements. Bitmac is also better for the environment, as bitumen is a naturally occurring substance, whereas tar is extracted from wood, peat or petroleum. A bitmac or asphalt drive can also be taken up and reused elsewhere, but a Tarmac® drive cannot.
The benefits of asphalt
Asphalt is more hard-wearing than bitmac or Tarmac®, and over a larger area is also the most cost-effective. If you have a car park or driveway that will experience a high amount of traffic, then asphalt, with its higher density of aggregate, may be the answer. If you have a business, then a tatty driveway or car park may impact negatively on customer perception and could be dangerous, leading to potential litigation for trips, falls and damage to vehicles.
Do you need advice on the best surface for your car park or driveway?
Contact the experts at R S Contracts in Newtownards. We also offer fencing services. Call 028 9181 3610