Machine lay surfacing is a method of laying tarmac using a specialist machine called a tarmac paver. This approach allows large areas to be surfaced quickly and to an exceptionally high standard. It is ideal for car parks, roads, and other commercial spaces.
How Machine Lay Surfacing Works
Machine lay surfacing involves using a mechanical paver – a large machine with a hopper at the front. Hot tarmac is loaded into the hopper, then moved along by a conveyor and spread evenly across the surface. The paver has a heated plate at the rear that lightly compacts the tarmac, ensuring a smooth and consistent finish.
The machine is delivered to site on a dedicated transporter. For large areas, machine laying produces a neater, smoother surface than manual laying. While hand laying – using wheelbarrows and tools – is effective for small areas, it’s impractical for larger projects such as car parks and roads. Machine laying is faster, more efficient, and delivers a longer-lasting result.
At Lakeside Surfacing, we have been providing machine lay surfacing to councils, commercial clients, and contractors for many years.
Meeting Client Specifications
Councils often provide us with detailed specifications for machine laying, typically to meet compliance requirements. Our commercial clients include well-known supermarkets, industrial estate owners, and retail park operators. Contractors also rely on us to meet exact technical specifications, which we are highly experienced in delivering. Our reputation for reliability and efficiency is well established on large-scale projects.
Advantages of Machine Lay Surfacing
- Speed: A large job, such as a supermarket car park, can be completed in as little as two days, depending on size. Hand laying would be far too slow or impractical for projects of this scale.
- Quality of Finish: The heated metal plate produces a smooth, compact surface of exceptional quality.
- Cost-Effective for Large Jobs: Machine lay enables contractors to take on larger projects that wouldn’t be viable with manual tarmac laying.
- Precision: Many modern pavers are fitted with laser-guided levelling for a consistent thickness and a flawless finish.
The Process
Preparation is identical to manual tarmac surfacing: excavation, installation of a membrane, and creation of a solid base. Once the main machine-laid tarmac is down, minor manual work is carried out to perfect edges and tackle awkward areas. Despite its size, the machine is surprisingly nimble and adaptable if it can access the site.
When Is Machine Lay the Right Choice?
Machine lay surfacing is ideal for large areas such as supermarkets, roads, car parks, and industrial yards. For residential driveways or spaces with very tight access, manual laying is often more practical and sometimes faster.
Durability and Maintenance
Tarmac laid by machine is highly robust with excellent longevity, comparable to high-quality manual laying. The compact finish achieved by the heated plate can marginally improve durability, but lifespan ultimately depends on traffic levels and usage.
Maintenance requirements are minimal – regular cleaning is advisable, and any patching or repairs can be carried out easily and cost-effectively.
Get in Touch
Contact us today for a quote on machine lay surfacing. We’re proud of the quality we deliver to contractors, private companies, and individual clients.