Anyone knowledgeable about driveways?

[Zaphan58]

Hi all, basically looking to get my driveway redone. Had 2 quotes so far and both have said different things. To give a bit of background there is a concrete base which doesn't seem to bad but the tarmac on top has well gone and peeling / crumbling off. Area is approx 55m2

Quote 1 said: He can use the concrete base, fill in the holes in the tarmac, seal it and then bond a fresh layer of tarmac on top. Quoted about £4.5K and then as he was walking off said he'd discount it if I went with it in the next few weeks.

Quote 2 said: There is nothing there he can use, he'd have to remove all the tarmac, the concrete the lot and start again. Said I'd be looking "around £5K".

Now I'm not sure who to believe. I don't see why the concrete base can't be re-used but I think quote number 1 is over the top for that? But I don't know about these things so I guess I'll get some more quotes and see what the consensus is.

Here is a pic for reference:

 

[Zaphan58]

I think both quotes are over the top, almost £100 m2 for tarmac lol.
We charge £80m2 for block paving.

Regards the concrete, if there is any cracks in it, within 6 to 12 months, these cracks will be visible through the tarmac.
Its also way better to remove any old tarmac first

If there are no cracks, then it's ok to lay tarmac over it using a tacote emulsion (glue)
You want 6mm topping at approximately 25mm deep.

If removing the concrete, you will a Mot type 1 base.
I would also use about 50mm deep of 25mm base course tarmac with 25mm of 6mm top course.

Quote 1 is taking the wee tbh, if leaving the concrete I would say a fair quote is about £3k
Removing concrete and laying a base course, fair quote would be about £4k

Thanks for the info all food for thought. At the top of the driveway there are a few cracks in it with weeds poking through. Lower down seems ok but I guess thats irrelevant.

I figured these quotes were most likely high. The second guy sounded a bit disinterested and found him a bit arrogant so I wouldn't have given him my money regardless. Maybe they are backlogged from before lockdown. But I got the impression they had plenty of work so maybe they are pumping their prices up.

 

[Zaphan58]

The cracks can be filled with liquid bitumen, but if there is a lot of cracks it would be better to remove the concrete.
Don't rush into getting it done, get more quotes, ask family, friends, work colleagues for recommendations.
If you are driving and see a new job, knock and ask the owners for the contractors number and how they got on with him.

Thanks again for the advise. Just had another quote and this guy seems to think the concrete base is ok to use as well. He quoted £3.5k though I got the feeling if I said £3k to him he'd possibly do it. So just pondering that at the moment.

 

[Zaphan58]

Looks like it needs some drainage in any future design unless that is out of shot?

You are probably right. There is some drainage at the top around the corner. But I believe new installs require more drainage.

 

[Zaphan58]

Two more quotes in now:

Quote 3: Said he'd use the concrete base. Fill the holes, cover in bitumen and tarmac over. Quoted £3.5K.
Quote 4: An Irishman, trying not to stereotype! Said he'd remove all the old tarmac back to the concrete. Put on 2 - 3 inches of fresh tarmac. Asked what my best quote was and my inability to lie told him, he said said "well I'll do it for 3 if you want".

Anyway think that's enough quotes for now I'll think about it.

 

[Zaphan58]

Any updates on this?



I usually just say you're the first when they ask me. Apart from one guy when I wanted a wall knocking down asked me what I was willing to pay to get him to knock it down as he had nothing on the next day and wanted the work so I purposely low balled him and he accepted.

Nothing yet unfortunately. I did contact another company for a quote. Said he'd pop over to take a look and I never heard back from him. Will be contacting another tomorrow so I'll see if he's interested.