Are you wondering what to use to repair potholes between cold-laying patching tarmac or concrete mixes? Here is an explanatory guide!
Have you ever spotted a pothole in your private roads or driveways? Then you might have called the mason or someone to get it repaired. That's also essential. A single pothole can significantly affect the grace of the overall building and can be troublesome. It may result in accidents while you drive or when your kids are playing outdoors. Do you know what's the best part? You can repair these tiny potholes without any professional assistance. Yes, you heard it right. All you need is cold-laying patching tarmac. However, a free installation guide will help you to repair your roads and make the right choice.
Understanding Cold-Lay Patching Tarmac
Let's start with cold-lay patching tarmac. What is it, and how does it work? Cold-lay patching tarmac, also known as cold-lay asphalt, is a ready-to-use asphalt mix. It can be used for different purposes, mainly to repair damage to paths, especially to fill potholes. The best part of using a cold-lay tarmac patch is that it comes in a black colour that is adaptable to versatile landscapes and surfaces.
Composition of the Tarmac Patch
In general, a tarmac patch consists of premixed asphalt. The primary ingredients include sand, gravel, stone chippings, and Portland cement. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can buy a mini bag or a bulk bag to make the most of your investment.
Applications
As mentioned above, the major application of the tarmac patch is:
- Road repair
- Potholes filling
- Repairing of driveways and pathways
What is Concrete Mix?
Conversely, concrete mix is also a ready-to-use ingredient. However, it doesn't come in premixed form, and you need to mix it manually or with the help of a technical instrument. It is generally used for DIY construction needs and other purposes. The best part of using concrete mix is that it already contains the accurate amount of raw material required. Thus, you need not worry about the consistency of the materials. All you need to do is estimate the amount of water required to get the mixture ready.
Composition of Concrete Mix
The concrete mix contains the ingredients required for forming durable concrete. The primary ingredient is a combination of cement, coarse aggregates, and sand. To achieve effective results, you just have to mix this combination in the right ratio with water.
Application
Unlike tarmac matches, concrete mixes are mainly used for construction purposes rather than repair. You can use concrete mixes for:
- Setting fences in the garden
- Pouring driveways
- Laying the foundation for building
Precautions to take while using concrete mix
If you are using the concrete mix for construction purposes, be careful about the ratio and proportion. In general, for durable consistency, you should use 60-75% aggregate with 15-20% water. However, you still need to understand the fact that different constructive purposes have different consistency requirements. For example, flatwork requires more solid consistency compared to mortar required for laying underground pipes.
Comparing Patching Tarmac vs. Concrete Mixes
Now comes the major question: Which is the best option for patching tarmac and concrete mixes? And how can you choose the best one for your needs? To answer the question, you need to understand that both materials have their own set of strong points and drawbacks. The choice totally depends on your requirements.
First, analyse the nature of the task you are looking for. If you want to do constructive work, choose concrete mixes, and if you want to opt for repairing, choose cold-lay patching tarmac. While concrete mixes can help you with your repair task, you can never use tarmac for constructive purposes. That acts as a big difference between the two products. Here is a quick comparison to help you make an informed decision.
- Asphalt is more adaptable to temperature than concrete, making it more suitable for regions with a high chance of temperature fluctuations.
- Concrete is more rigid than tarmac, so cracks are less likely to develop over time. Thus, it is perfect for high-traffic and warm regions.
- Cold-lay patching tarmac is cheaper to install and repair than concrete. Even if you have to remove it someday for a more permanent solution, you can do that without any trouble.
- In regions with high snowfall, asphalt tarmac is a good choice because it warms up in the sun and melts snow, and it also tolerates salt better than concrete.
- Concrete is easier to maintain than tarmac. When it comes to patching tarmac, you often have to seal coat it once every three years to maintain its functionality. On the other hand, concrete requires a sealing coat once every five to ten years.
- Patching tarmac uses nonrenewable resources like petroleum. Thus, it is not as sustainable as concrete.
- Concrete is more durable. It can last for more than 50 years, demanding fewer replacements and maintenance.
- Tarmac is easier to install. Concrete is more expensive to install than asphalt and often requires professional assistance.
- While concrete can be used in warmer regions, it can crack in freezing temperatures due to its rigidity.
A Way Forward
That is how both cold-lay patching tarmac and concrete mixes have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. All you need to do is understand your requirements beforehand to make an informed decision. Further, one thing is advised to trust a top-class manufacturer and seller for your purpose. For example, Brisks. Brisks is a reliable name when it comes to selling gravels and garden aggregates in the UK. With Brisks, you can find everything you need to revamp your outdoor spaces, including premium quality tarmac and concrete, at an affordable price. Visit the website to explore more products.