Tarmac Surfacing and Surface Dressing in Cumbria

Peter Daw Surfacing Contractors are a family run business established in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria in the 1960s and today the company is run by two generations of the Daw family. Our work is carried out in the North West of England and more specifically in the Furness Peninsular, South Cumbria and North Lancashire, and we can cater for all of your surfacing requirements

Whether you’re looking to transform your home’s curb appeal or require a durable solution for a private access road, Peter Daw Surfacing delivers high-quality, long-lasting results.

Based in Barrow-in-Furness, we provide expert tarmac surfacing and surface dressing across the entirety of Cumbria. With a reputation built on reliability and craftsmanship, we take pride in every square metre we lay.

Tarmac Surfacing of a Driveway in Cumbria

Private Road Resurfaced in Cumbria

We specialise in tarmacadam surfacing for driveways, forecourts, paths, car parks and private roads in the Residential, Industrial, Commercial and Agricultural sectors and we are happy to advise and supply free quotations for any work that you may need doing. Any job that is undertaken by us is treated individually, which means no job is too big, too small or too difficult.

We pride ourselves on an extremely high standard of workmanship, which ensures the customer is always completely satisfied with the work that we carry out.

We specialise in providing robust, aesthetically pleasing surfaces for both residential and private commercial clients.

• Tarmac Surfacing: The classic choice for a sleek, durable finish. Ideal for driveways and high-traffic private roads.

• Surface Dressing (Tar & Chipping): A cost-effective way to protect and rejuvenate existing surfaces, providing excellent skid resistance and a traditional rural look.

• Driveway Transformations: From initial groundworks to the final roll, we handle every stage of your driveway project.

• Private Road Maintenance: We work with homeowners’ associations and private estates to ensure access roads remain safe and smooth.

We understand that a new driveway is a significant investment. That’s why we focus on three main pillars:

Local Expertise –  Proudly serving Barrow-in-Furness and the wider Cumbrian community for over 50 years.
Durability –  We use premium materials designed to withstand the unique Cumbrian weather.
Personal Touch –  As a local specialist, Peter Daw oversees projects to ensure they meet our exacting standards.

Tarmacadam, commonly known as tarmac, remains the most popular choice for driveways and private roads across the UK due to its incredible resilience and sleek, professional finish. It is created by layering crushed aggregate with a coat of tar (or modern bitumen), resulting in a surface that is both flexible and exceptionally strong.

One of the primary advantages of tarmac is its longevity. When professionally installed with correct sub-base preparation, it can withstand heavy vehicle loads and harsh Cumbrian weather for decades. Unlike paving slabs or gravel, tarmac offers a smooth, seamless finish that minimizes trip hazards and prevents weed growth.

Furthermore, tarmac is a highly cost-effective and efficient solution. It can often be laid directly over existing solid surfaces, significantly reducing installation time. For homeowners and developers, it provides a clean, “kerb-appeal” boost that requires very little maintenance beyond the occasional sweep.

Key Benefits at a Glance

• Weather Resistant: Designed to handle heavy rain and freeze-thaw cycles without cracking.

• Rapid Installation: Most domestic driveways can be completed and ready for use within a few days.

• Low Maintenance: Naturally resists weeds and is easy to clean.

• High Value: Adds immediate aesthetic and functional value to any property.

Surface dressing, often referred to as “Tar and Chipping,” is an alternative surfacing method that combines the strength of bitumen with the natural aesthetic of stone. The process involves spraying a layer of high-quality bitumen emulsion onto an existing surface, followed immediately by a layer of stone chippings which are then rolled into place.

This method is particularly popular for private roads, long driveways, and rural tracks because it provides a rustic, textured look that blends seamlessly with the Cumbrian landscape. Beyond its appearance, surface dressing acts as a protective seal, preventing water from penetrating the road base and causing cracks or potholes.

• Exceptional Cost-Effectiveness: It provides a “like-new” finish at a fraction of the cost of a full tarmac overlay, making it the most budget-friendly option for long driveways and expansive private roads.

• Superior Skid Resistance: The textured stone finish offers excellent “grip” for tyres, which is particularly beneficial for steep Cumbrian lanes and areas prone to ice or surface water.

• Effective Waterproofing: The bitumen layer acts as a high-performance seal, preventing water from seeping into the sub-base, which is the primary cause of potholes and structural failure.

• Aesthetic Variety: You can customise the look of your property by selecting different stone types, such as local granites or golden gravels, to complement your surrounding landscape.

• Rapid Application: Because it is often applied over existing surfaces, the process is much faster than a full excavation, causing minimal disruption to your daily routine.