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London Tar — Surfacing Contractors
Tarmac Surfacing by London Tar in Surrey

Tarmac Surfacing in Reigate

Tarmac surfacing across Reigate for paths, private roads, playgrounds and hardstanding, laid by machine.

01737 464216

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Tell us about your project and we’ll be straight back with a free, no-obligation quote.

Machine-laid finish

Ready in 24–48 hours

Neat, level edges

Free site survey

Overview

Tarmac Surfacing in Reigate

If you want tarmac surfacing in Reigate, London Tar covers Reigate along with everywhere else in Surrey.

Tarmac is tough, good value and right for most ground that sees walkers or traffic. Around Reigate we lay it on playgrounds, private roads, footpaths, yards, school grounds and hardstanding, choosing British Standards materials and the correct plant so the finished surface is even and smooth.

It is a flexible material in every sense. Installation is fast, the area is usually back in use within a day or two, and the cost per square metre sits below resin and block paving. Where heavier use needs it, the tarmac goes down in a base course and a surface course and is rolled hot, giving a dense, uniform finish, neatly edged against buildings, kerbs and existing surfaces. Before any of that, the ground is excavated to the right depth and each layer compacted, because the top can only be as good as the preparation.

What’s included

  • Clearing the area and excavating to the correct depth
  • Compacted sub-base built for the expected use
  • Machine-laid, rolled base and surface courses
  • Clean edges along kerbs, buildings and existing paving
Tarmac Surfacing completed by London Tar in Surrey

How we work

From survey to finished surface

  1. 1

    Free site survey

    We call round, measure the area and go over your requirements, and you decide afterwards whether to book.

  2. 2

    Written quote

    You are sent an itemised quote in writing, and it is settled before a spade goes in.

  3. 3

    Groundwork and preparation

    Ground is taken down to the right level, a sub-base is laid and compacted, and edging and drainage are fitted.

  4. 4

    Laying and compaction

    Where access permits, a paving machine lays the tarmac before it is rolled to a firm, flat finish.

  5. 5

    Sign-off and clear-up

    At the end you look over the finished surface with us, and we clear our waste and leave things tidy.

Pricing

How much does tarmac surfacing cost?

We quote each job once we have surveyed it free of charge. The price mainly depends on:

  • The square metres involved and access for plant
  • How far down we dig and how much sub-base goes in
  • Single-course or two-course tarmac
  • Drainage and edging work
Tarmac Surfacing by London Tar in Surrey

Why choose us

Why choose London Tar for tarmac surfacing

A fresh black surface is easy to admire. What sets us apart is the build underneath and the way we work around your day.

Every layer compacted, giving a surface that lasts

British Standards materials, supplied by approved merchants

Edges and levels looked over before we pack up

Areas we cover

Tarmac Surfacing near Reigate

From Reigate to the far side of the county, London Tar lays tarmac for domestic and commercial clients throughout Surrey. A free quote is one call away on 01737 464216. Tarmac surfacing in nearby towns:

See tarmac surfacing across all of Surrey →

Covering Surrey

45+ towns & boroughs

FAQs

Tarmac Surfacing FAQs

Is tarmac suitable for a sloped site?

Tarmac is a sound choice on a gradient. The design work goes into drainage: we lay falls so rainwater moves away from buildings, and where the land runs back towards them, a channel or gully collects it. For a Reigate business, school or estate, that keeps runoff off entrances and walkways, and supports the planning expectation that water from new hard surfaces reaches a permeable area.

Can you match into an existing tarmac surface?

Yes. The edge of the old tarmac is cut back to firm material, and the new surface is tied in so the seam stays closed and does not lift. This is useful when you are adding to a yard or car park, or replacing one failed area, and want the rest of the site left as it is.

How thick should a tarmac surface be?

Match the build-up to the heaviest load. A tarmac surface has a compacted sub-base, a binder course and a surface course, and delivery lorries or HGVs need more depth in each than staff cars or foot traffic. British Standards fix a minimum thickness per mix, and on poorly draining soil a geotextile membrane is often advised. Wheels sinking in usually point to a weak sub-base. Your quote sets out the layers we specify.

How soon can I use it after laying?

Typically 24 to 48 hours, depending on weather and layer thickness, and we confirm your timings beforehand so the site can plan parking and deliveries. It takes several more weeks to harden fully, and summer heat can keep it soft for longer. In that period, avoid dry steering (turning the wheel with the vehicle stopped), and keep jacks, stands and skips off it.

Do you offer coloured tarmac?

Yes. Coloured tarmac, red and other shades, is available for areas where black is not wanted, such as a footpath through grounds or a zone you want to stand out. At the survey we can take you through the colours and where they would work on your Reigate site.

Do we need planning permission to tarmac a yard, forecourt or car park?

Not necessarily. Part 7, Class E permitted development generally covers up to 50 m² of new hard surface at qualifying commercial premises, provided it is porous or water drains to a permeable area. A listed building takes you outside it, and industrial premises and schools follow their own classes. We are describing the general position, not giving legal advice, so check with the council.

Can you lay tarmac over an existing concrete or tarmac surface?

Yes, where the existing surface is solid. A sound slab or old tarmac can be overlaid, and national price guides put the saving at as much as 30 to 40% against a full dig-out. If it is breaking up, rocking or sinking, the new tarmac will follow those faults, so digging out is the safer route. Layer thickness matters too, with British Standards minimums for each mix. We assess the base at survey stage.

Is tarmac cheaper than block paving, resin or concrete for a commercial site?

Generally, yes. Per square metre, national price guides rank tarmac cheaper than resin bound, block paving and concrete, though gravel undercuts it. Since their ranges vary, compare like with like: same area, same depth of sub-base. Then factor in life and maintenance across the site. Block paving often lasts 20 to 30 years with more regular upkeep, while tarmac is plainer, can fade and does not let water drain through.

How much does tarmac surfacing cost in Reigate?

Cost in Reigate depends on your site, so we survey before we price. The bill is driven by the square metres involved, the vehicles it must carry, access for plant, excavation depth, sub-base, one or two layers of tarmac, kerbs or edging, drainage and taking spoil away. Any new crossover has a council fee. National guides note costs run higher near London. Your quote arrives written and itemised, free and without obligation.

Can tarmac be laid in the rain or in winter?

In light rain, usually yes. With standing water, ice or snow on the ground, no: the British Standard says asphalt must not be laid in those conditions. Winter brings a second problem, as thin surface layers cool quickly in wind and tarmac needs compacting while hot. Price guides suggest avoiding ground temperatures below 5°C and heavy rain. We agree timings for your site before work starts.

How long does a tarmac surface last, and why do some break up early?

Guides commonly quote up to 15 years, and 15 to 20 or more where the surface is maintained. Tarmac that fails young usually has a weak foundation or thin layers: look for crumbling edges, pitting, sinking under heavy wheels, lifting around covers or puddles that will not drain. To avoid that, we excavate to the right depth, compact the sub-base and every layer, and lay a base and surface course rolled hot.
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