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The local road network in the UK measures 183,000 miles and comprises 98% of total roads. However, the quality of these roads is far from perfect, with 62% of motorists saying that Europe’s local roads are superior to the UK’s. 

As we enter 2025, there’s a huge demand for revamping our roads, improving our driving experience, and reducing the cost of vehicle repair caused by bad roads. A sustainable answer to this is surface dressing.

With 25 years of experience, LSL Surfacing is one of the top contractors in the UK providing surfacing dressing for roads and driveways. 

In today’s article, we’ll look at the benefits of road surface dressing for better road maintenance in 2025 and beyond.

1. Cost-Effective

The surface dressing process is an affordable method of restoring roads; it’s almost ten times cheaper than other road restoration methods. Since surface-dressed roads are long-lasting, they’re also more cost-effective. Additionally, these roads have zero downtime, avoiding money loss through closures and disruptions. 

Surface dressing roads prevent water from seeping into the base layer, a common cause of potholes and cracks. This issue often necessitates the complete replacement of the road and more investment.

2. Sustainable

The road surface dressing process is a sustainable alternative to traditional road construction methods. Local authorities, highway engineers and road asset managers are responsible for choosing a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable option. Planned and preventive road surface dressing is the perfect solution for this. 

Surface dressing has a low carbon footprint because it doesn’t require the removal of any road materials, and any aggregate is effectively recycled. Also, since the process is faster, it produces fewer carbon emissions. Compared to asphalt construction, the road surface dressing process uses less bitumen and aggregates. Since surface-dressed roads have prolonged life, they’re also more eco-friendly and economical.

3. Reduced Pothole Formation

Incessant rain and extreme weather conditions are common in the UK, and once summer arrives, roads are often riddled with potholes. Water seeps in through cracks, expands during the colder months and contracts when spring arrives. This leads to a widening of the gaps, weakening of the road’s foundations and the formation of potholes. 

Damages to vehicles caused by potholes amounted to £474 million in 2023 alone. Pot-hole-riddled roads accounted for 631,852 incidents with tyre, wheel and suspension damage. The RAC has urged local authorities to resurface those roads that are in the worst conditions between April and September, the dry season. 

Through the surface dressing process, the layer of bitumen and stone chipping acts as a sealant and prevents water from penetrating, thereby reducing structural damage.

4. Improved Safety

Choosing road surface dressing in 2025 will significantly improve road safety. The surface dressing process helps to improve skid resistance by adding stone chipping to the bitumen surface. Stone chips help to offer traction between the tyres and the road. Additionally, it helps to prevent spray during heavy rain or when cars suddenly break; the tyres can better grip the road and avoid sliding.

5. Faster Deployment

Road closures are inconvenient and frustrating. However, one of the biggest advantages of choosing surface dressing in road construction is that the process can be completed much faster than conventional road construction methods. This prevents energy wastage and inconvenience to those who live locally.

Roads can be driven on immediately after resurfacing, making it easier for both authorities and motorists. Authorities often struggle to manage traffic when roads are closed for repair work, but with the surface dressing process, they no longer have to worry about that issue.

Contact LSL Surfacing for Surface Dressing Solutions for Driveways and Roads

The road surface dressing process has gained immense popularity and will continue in 2025 and beyond. LSL surfacing has been resurfacing roads and driveways for over 25 years, usingtop-quality materials. We ensure our clients receive long-lasting and cost-effective surface dressing solutions.

Our other services include asphalt surfacing, resin surfacing, tar and chip surface dressing and more. Use surface dressing this new year and avoid a bumpy ride. 

Call us on 01223 420369 or 07899 756373 for more information.