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Asphalt and tarmac are not the same thing. Traditional tarmac, short for tarmacadam, uses tar as a binder to hold crushed stone together. Asphalt uses bitumen—a byproduct of crude oil—to bind aggregate. Though tarmac was once a go-to for roads, asphalt has become the modern standard. And these days, most surfaces referred to as “tarmac” are actually asphalt. So, while the names may overlap, the key distinction lies in the binder—tar for tarmac and bitumen for asphalt.

The average cost to repair an asphalt driveway is around $2,459 to $2,500. However, prices can range from $100 for minor DIY crack filling to over $4,000 for more extensive professional work. Costs are often calculated per foot, with minor repairs costing $1 to $3 per linear foot and heavier damage like potholes, sinking, or crumbling costing $2 to $5 per linear foot. Patching smaller potholes can cost around $2 to $3 per square foot. The final price depends on the severity and extent of the damage, driveway design, local contractor rates, and whether sealing is included. For major repairs, it is recommended to hire a professional, and you may get a better deal by bundling repair and sealing services together.

An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To install a new asphalt driveway over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.

An example of permeable paving is a set of cinder blocks or natural stone pavers with room inside for natural materials, such as gravel, sand, or grass. You can also design these pavers with brick or plastic tiles.

In addition to these pavers, permeable pavement can be obtained by using a highly porous material, such as pervious concrete or pervious asphalt.