Best way to tarmac this strip?

[loply]

Hi folks,

I've got this strip of missing tarmac in front of a driveway. It got ripped up because there used to be a prefab concrete fence there which went under the tarmac.

Tried getting a few local tarmaccers to come but none are interested so I'm going to have to sort it myself I reckon.

Couple of questions as I've never done this before. Planning on using bags of cold lay.

• I'm thinking I need to cut it out to a straight/neat line first

• Does it need to be deep? In places it's only an inch or so before the old pavement

• Do I need a whacker plate or will I get away with the bottom of a sledge hammer?

• I read somewhere about warming the cold lay by putting it in a barrow and sprinkling a bit petrol on it (though I'm thinking about starting a fire underneath the barrow instead!)

• Obviously cars are going over this, is cold lay going to be up to it? Anything I need to do to make sure it works?


Cheers for any advice,
Rich

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Cut a straight edge if you prefer, but either way, rake out all loose material, then compact the base with the back of your sledgehammer. Cold lay is just that, heating it might make it more pliable, but it will take longer to go off, and I'm not even sure heating it will actually do the material any good.

Alternatively, if you see a reinstatement gang working in the area, ask them what they'd charge to fill it in. Most will have some surplus material at the end of the end that would otherwise get dumped. Few £ in their pockets and everyone's happy.

 

[Nige F]

As Hugh says but DO NOT use anyone who approaches you - they will rob you and be off on their travels

 

[loply]

Cheers guys.

Reckon I need a whacker plate to get it looking good & well compacted?

Or is it practical to do it just with a hammer and maybe a bit of wood?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Wacker plate for appearance probably, but back of a shovel if you wanted to would probably suffice. Hammer is probably too small, and will end up with it looking rather uneven.