What is tarmac (asphalt)?
Tarmac is a surface material made from bitumen (a petroleum binder) mixed with stone aggregate, laid in layers and compacted to create a durable, cohesive driving surface.
Tarmac, or asphalt, consists of a bituminous binder (a sticky petroleum product) combined with crushed stone, gravel, and sand. Once mixed, this material is laid hot onto a prepared base and compacted using rollers to form a solid, unified surface. The bitumen acts as the adhesive that holds the aggregate together, creating a weather-resistant and durable finish.
The composition and installation method distinguish tarmac from other paving options. Block paving uses individual concrete or clay units laid side-by-side on a sand bed, with sand brushed into the joints between blocks. Resin-bound surfaces consist of small decorative aggregate held in a clear or coloured epoxy resin matrix, which is poured over a base and left to set. Tarmac, by contrast, is a monolithic layer where aggregate and bitumen are factory-blended and laid as a single course (or multiple courses for thicker, more robust applications).
On Cheltenham driveways and roads, tarmac offers a smooth, reliable surface that can be sealed and maintained over time. Its composition makes it permeable to some degree, allowing limited water drainage, and it can be resurfaced or patched more easily than concrete alternatives. The bitumen can soften in very hot weather and harden in cold conditions, though modern specifications are formulated to resist these extremes. For property owners seeking a straightforward, cost-effective paving solution, local paving contractors can advise on whether tarmac suits the site conditions and traffic levels.