Tarmac Driveway Cleaning & Restoration
Specialist tarmac cleaning, oil stain removal and colour restoration. Safe low-pressure technique -- no surface damage. Serving Tamworth and the Midlands.
Tarmac is one of the most common driveway surfaces across the Midlands, and one that requires specialist care to clean correctly. Unlike block paving or concrete, tarmac is easily damaged by incorrect pressure washing technique -- too much pressure can dislodge the aggregate stone from the surface, creating an irreversible rough, pitted appearance.
Our team is trained specifically in tarmac cleaning and restoration. We use calibrated low-pressure settings and appropriate cleaning agents to deliver a thorough, safe clean -- and if your tarmac has faded to grey, our restoration and sealing treatment brings back the deep, rich black colour and protects it for years to come.
Benefits of Our Tarmac Cleaning Service
- ✓Safe specialist low-pressure washing technique designed specifically for tarmac
- ✓Removes moss, algae, lichen and biological growth from tarmac surfaces
- ✓Specialist oil and fuel stain pre-treatment and removal
- ✓Tarmac restoration treatment available to revive faded, grey tarmac to deep black
- ✓Protective sealant coating to prevent future staining and weathering
- ✓Extends the functional lifespan of your tarmac driveway significantly
Common Tarmac Problems We Solve
Faded Grey Colour
New tarmac is a rich, deep black. Over time, UV exposure, oxidation and general weathering cause tarmac to fade to grey, making it look old and tired. Our tarmac restoration treatment revives the original deep black colour, transforming the appearance of your driveway without the cost of resurfacing.
Our solution: Tarmac restoration + protective sealant
Oil & Fuel Stains
Oil drips and fuel spills are common on tarmac driveways and, once they penetrate the surface, can be stubborn to remove. We pre-treat all oil and fuel staining with specialist degreasers before pressure washing, dramatically reducing or eliminating stains in the vast majority of cases.
Our solution: Specialist degreaser pre-treatment
Moss & Algae Growth
Tarmac is particularly susceptible to moss and algae growth, especially in shaded or damp areas. Biological growth not only looks unsightly but can break down the tarmac surface over time if left untreated. We apply a biocide pre-treatment and wash all growth away safely.
Our solution: Biocide treatment + controlled pressure wash
Surface Cracking & Crumbling
Untreated, weathered tarmac develops hairline cracks that allow water ingress, leading to freeze-thaw damage and progressive deterioration. Our sealing treatment penetrates the surface and provides waterproofing that prevents this process, significantly extending the life of your tarmac.
Our solution: Sealing after cleaning for long-term protection
Our Process
Assessment & Survey
We inspect your tarmac driveway to assess its condition, identify areas of heavy soiling, oil staining, and any structural concerns. We provide a written quote covering cleaning, restoration and sealing as required.
Oil Stain Pre-Treatment
Any areas of oil or fuel staining are pre-treated with our specialist industrial degreaser. This is worked into the surface and left to dwell, breaking down the hydrocarbon compounds in the oil before we begin washing.
Biocide Treatment
We apply a biodegradable biocide solution to kill moss, algae and lichen across the entire surface. This is particularly important for tarmac as aggressive pressure washing without pre-treatment can drive spores deeper into the porous surface.
Low-Pressure Washing
We wash the entire tarmac surface using carefully controlled low-to-medium pressure settings appropriate for tarmac. Excessive pressure can lift tarmac aggregate and cause irreversible surface damage -- our trained operators know the right technique.
Restoration & Sealing
Once clean and dry, we apply a tarmac restoration treatment if required to revive the black colour, followed by a protective tarmac sealant that waterproofs the surface and protects against future staining. This significantly extends the life of your tarmac.
Pricing Guide
Indicative prices -- contact us for an exact quote based on your driveway.
| Size | Area | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 20m² | £85 - £130 | Clean only |
| Medium | 20m² - 50m² | £130 - £210 | Clean only |
| Large | 50m² - 100m² | £210 - £340 | Clean only |
| With Restoration & Seal | Any size | +£50 - £150 | Added to clean price |
Restore Your Tarmac Today
Free site surveys and no-obligation quotes across Tamworth and the Midlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to pressure wash tarmac?
Yes -- when done correctly with the right equipment and technique. Tarmac must not be pressure washed at high PSI settings as this can blast away the aggregate stone from the surface, causing irreversible pitting and damage. Our operatives are trained in tarmac-specific techniques and use appropriate low-to-medium pressure settings that clean effectively without causing any damage.
Can you restore the black colour of my faded tarmac?
Yes. We offer a specialist tarmac restoration treatment that is applied after cleaning to revive the deep black colour of faded or greying tarmac. The results are often dramatic -- a driveway that looked old and tired can look almost as good as new. We then apply a tarmac sealant over the restoration treatment to lock in the colour and protect it.
Can you remove oil stains from tarmac?
In most cases we can significantly reduce or eliminate oil stains from tarmac. We use specialist industrial degreasers that break down oil and fuel compounds before pressure washing. The success rate depends on how long the stain has been there and how deep it has penetrated -- fresh stains are usually removed completely, while old, deep stains may be reduced but not fully eliminated. We'll assess this during our free site visit.
How long does tarmac restoration last?
A professionally applied tarmac restoration treatment and sealant typically lasts 2-3 years under normal conditions, depending on traffic levels and UV exposure. Driveways with heavy use may need re-treating every 18 months to 2 years. We recommend re-treating whenever you have a professional clean.
My tarmac has cracks -- can you repair them?
We are a specialist cleaning company rather than a tarmac laying company, so structural repairs such as crack filling or patching are outside our usual scope. However, our cleaning and sealing service will prevent existing hairline cracks from worsening due to water ingress, and we can recommend reputable tarmac contractors for any structural work needed.
What Our Customers Say
Michael Farrington
Sutton Coldfield
“I'd had several quotes for having my tarmac driveway cleaned and restored, and I'm very glad I chose Tamworth Brighter Drives & Patios. They clearly knew what they were doing with tarmac -- explained the process thoroughly and the risks of getting it wrong, which others hadn't mentioned. The driveway was grey and faded with oil staining from a previous vehicle; it's now a deep, rich black with no visible staining. The tarmac restoration and sealing they applied looks incredible. Top-notch job.”
19 February 2025
Andrew Perkins
Cannock
“Had our concrete driveway and front path cleaned -- both were heavily stained with oil and general grime. I'd tried to tackle the oil stains myself with limited success, but the professional treatment made a night and day difference. They explained what they were using and why, which I appreciated. The concrete is now a consistent, clean colour for the first time in years. Excellent communication throughout and a very competitive price. Highly recommended.”
14 September 2024
Colin Westbrook
Kettlebrook, Tamworth
“I run a small business from home and my driveway gets a lot of wear from deliveries and customer visits. It was looking very tired and I needed it sorted quickly. I called Tamworth Brighter Drives on a Monday and they were here by Wednesday. The whole job was done in about three hours and the results are excellent. The driveway looks clean, professional and welcoming -- exactly what I needed. Fast, efficient, and great value. Will be booking again in twelve months.”
9 May 2024
Book Your Tarmac Clean & Restoration
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We cover Tamworth, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham and the wider Midlands.