Road resurfacing in Kent
Well-maintained roads are essential for safe and efficient transport across Kent. Whether it’s a private estate, business park, retail outlet, or public highway, resurfacing ensures a smooth, durable finish that stands up to daily traffic and changing weather conditions.
At Swift Surfacing, we specialise in professional road resurfacing services tailored to the needs of commercial and local authority clients. With over 34 years of experience, our team delivers fast, reliable results using modern techniques and quality materials. We’re trusted across Kent for our expertise, transparent pricing, and commitment to safety, making us the go-to partner for road resurfacing projects of all sizes. If your surface has sustained early damage, we also provide pothole repair service, ideal for maintaining road safety before full resurfacing is required. Contact us today on 01233 222597 or email us at estimated@swiftsurfacing.co.uk to discuss your road resurfacing needs in Kent.
Commercial resurfacing solutions using tarmacadam
At Swift Surfacing, we provide high-quality commercial resurfacing solutions using tarmacadam, a fast, durable, and cost-effective option for businesses and organisations across Kent. Whether you’re upgrading a car park, forecourt, access road, or warehouse surface, our expert team delivers professional results with minimal downtime.
Tarmacadam (technically known as bituminous macadam or “Bitmac”) is created by binding small aggregates with bitumen, producing a flexible yet resilient surface. Originally developed in the 19th century, it has evolved into one of the most widely used surfacing materials in the construction and utility sectors and with good reason. It’s also an environmentally conscious choice, offering quick drying times, recyclability, and minimal water runoff.
Surfacing solutions: HRA, SMA and porous tarmac
As specialist tarmac contractors in Kent, our team works with advanced tarmac solutions, including Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA), Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), and Open-Graded/Porous Tarmac to deliver strong, long-lasting and low-maintenance surfaces.
Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA) is a dense, durable material made from a blend of mineral aggregate, sand, filler and bitumen. Ideal for public highways and high-traffic roads, it offers excellent rut resistance, skid resistance, and aggregate retention, making it particularly effective where heavy vehicles are turning or braking frequently. Our HRA complies with EN 13108 and the NRA Specification for Road Works, ensuring full industry compliance and reliable performance.
Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) is a high-stone-content surface course developed to reduce road noise, improve waterproofing, and minimise spray in wet weather. Its neat finish and consistent appearance make it ideal for urban and suburban environments, while its strength ensures reliable long-term use on busy carriageways.
Open-Graded (Porous) Tarmac is a drainage-friendly option that uses crushed stone and modified binder to allow water to drain freely through the surface, reducing the risk of standing water and ice patches. It’s a popular choice for car parks, school playgrounds, and driveways, helping to create safer, weather-resistant surfaces year-round.
Speak to our team today on 01233 222597 or email estimates@swiftsurfacing.co.uk to discuss the best surfacing solution for your project.
Frequently asked questions about road surfacing techniques and materials
The cost of road surfacing in Kent varies depending on several factors, including project size, location, materials used, and site access. Generally, tarmacadam is the most affordable and quickest to lay. In contrast, Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) and Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA) may cost more due to their enhanced durability and higher stone content.
Yes, all major surfacing techniques – tarmacadam, Dense Bitumen Macadam (DBM), Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA), Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) and open-graded/porous tarmac – can be used for paving residential driveways and footpaths. Stone Mastic Asphalt is particularly suited to driveways due to its high durability and aesthetic appeal. In areas with frequent rainfall, porous tarmac is ideal as it improves surface water drainage, though it may not be as hard-wearing as SMA.
Asphalt-based surfacing methods like SMA, HRA, and DBM are generally more durable than concrete or gravel. Stone Mastic Asphalt is primarily known for its resistance to rutting and deformation, making it a reliable choice for high-traffic roads. While porous tarmac is less durable than SMA or HRA, all asphalt types offer superior performance and longevity over gravel or untreated concrete in road resurfacing applications.
No, long-term maintenance costs are generally low for most asphalt surfacing techniques. Regular inspections and minor repairs help keep the surface in good condition, reducing the likelihood of larger issues. Tarmacadam and DBM require minimal upkeep, while SMA and HRA offer even better durability with proper care – making all these choices practical and cost-effective for road resurfacing in Kent.
For roads subjected to heavy traffic, Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) and Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA) are recommended. These surfacing materials are engineered for strength, durability, and resistance to wear. While porous tarmac is valuable for drainage, it’s less robust and may not perform well under constant heavy vehicle use. Choose SMA or HRA when road strength and longevity are critical.
Yes, all road surfacing types can be repaired. Minor issues such as cracks or potholes can be fixed with simple patching, while more extensive damage may require complete resurfacing. The exact repair method depends on the surfacing material and the severity of the damage. Tarmacadam, SMA, and HRA are relatively easy to repair, which makes them reliable and cost-efficient over time.
Environmental impact largely depends on the materials’ composition and how they’re manufactured. Tarmacadam is derived from bitumen, a petroleum product, which can pose environmental concerns unless sourced and processed sustainably. However, it can be recycled, which improves its eco-friendliness.
Visual appeal often depends on the installation style and surrounding environment. DBM and HRA provide smooth, uniform finishes and can be laid in various colours, offering a neat and modern appearance. SMA gives a more natural, textured finish due to its high stone content. Meanwhile, open-graded/porous tarmac has a spongy, visibly porous appearance, ideal for areas prioritising drainage over decorative finish.
For sloped or steep terrain, Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) and Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA) are best. They provide excellent grip and structural integrity, making them ideal for surfaces requiring extra traction and load-bearing strength. Although porous tarmac can technically be used, its reduced strength and durability may lead to performance issues on inclines or in high-load areas.
Noise levels are influenced by a surface’s texture and material density. DBM and HRA tend to be noisier because of their hard, compacted finish. In contrast, SMA and porous tarmac have lower noise levels due to their porous, textured structures that absorb sound more effectively, making them a great choice for residential and urban road resurfacing where noise reduction is beneficial.
Porous tarmac and Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) both offer good water drainage, thanks to their permeable surface structure. These options are particularly useful in Kent areas prone to rain, helping to reduce standing water and prevent surface degradation. DBM and HRA, being denser and smoother, lack inherent drainage qualities but are still widely used when effective external drainage systems are in place.