Tarmac Laying Contractor in Shepton Mallet

Tarmac Laying Contractors in Shepton Mallet — what to expect

When it comes to resurfacing a tired driveway, laying a fresh path, or renewing a private road around Shepton Mallet, the work typically begins with excavating the old surface and preparing a firm, level formation. A reputable local contractor will then install a MOT Type 1 sub-base, which is thoroughly compacted with a vibrating plate or a heavy roller to create a stable foundation capable of bearing the weight of cars and light vans without sinking. For the blacktop itself, most jobs in the BA4 area use an AC 20 binder course laid first, followed by an AC 10 surface course to give a smooth, dense finish that sheds water well. On longer drives or shared access tracks, a tack coat is applied between layers to ensure a strong bond, and edge restraint kerbs are often set in concrete to keep the tarmac from fraying at the borders. Where an existing surface is still sound but worn, a plane and overlay approach—removing the top few millimetres before relaying—can extend its life without a full dig-out, while tar and chip dressing offers a cost-effective, textured alternative for rural lanes. Drains and gully covers are carefully protected or raised to match the new levels, and if the property fronts a public highway, dropped kerbs may be required, which your contractor will arrange with the council. Throughout Somerset, these services are widely available, and for a project in Shepton Mallet, it is worth getting a few local firms to quote for the same specification so you can compare methods, materials, and prices before committing.