Tar and Chip Paving

When choosing between two types of paving materials, it is important to consider how much they cost, how durable they are, and how they look. If you are considering tar and chip paving for your home, this article will provide you with a brief overview of the pros and cons of both. Continue reading to learn more about the two most popular types of driveways. We also provide you with tips to make your driveway last as long as possible.

Durability

Unlike asphalt, tar and chip paving has a much longer lifespan. Because it is made in layers, tar and chip won't be as thick as asphalt. However, they are just as durable. Tar and chip is more affordable than asphalt, so you can easily install it on your driveway without having to worry about the cost. Here are some pros and cons of tar and chip paving. Read on to learn more.
While tar and chip driveways are not as durable as asphalt or concrete, they are still very durable, lasting anywhere from seven to ten years. These driveways also feature great traction. The cost of tar and chip paving is typically between $2 and $5 per square foot, depending on the type of material and amount of traffic. They also look good and last for several decades. Nevertheless, tar and chip driveways are generally not suitable for high-traffic areas.

Cost

The price of Tar and Chip paving can vary greatly depending on the type of material used. The standard method involves placing hot liquid bitumen asphalt over a compacted surface. Once this has been completed, a layer of "chip" will be applied. The "chip" can be made of a variety of materials, including recycled concrete or asphalt ground into small particles. Once this layer has been applied, the driveway will be sealed and waterproof.
When comparing the cost of asphalt paving, tar and chip is the cheaper option. The material costs approximately $2 to $5 per square foot. A full tar and chip paving project can cost anywhere from $650 to $3,000, depending on the size of the driveway. Once installed, the tar and chip pavement will last anywhere from seven to ten years. However, homeowners may decide to add another layer after a few years to increase its longevity.

Appearance

The most significant difference between traditional asphalt and tar and chip is their appearance. While asphalt has a 20-year lifespan, tar and chip is almost maintenance free. The tar and chip melts when heated, filling in cracks automatically. The difference between tar and chip and asphalt is striking - tar and chip look like an old gravel driveway. This is why many home owners opt for tar and chip paving on large driveways.
A tar-and-chip driveway is built by first laying a gravel base. Then, hot liquid asphalt is applied on top. Then, loose stones are compacted into the bitumen to create a finished product with a classy appearance. This process eliminates the need for regular sealing, and it's less prone to crack. Thomas and Dustin's Asphalt has the expertise to install this type of paving, providing quality installations.

Maintenance

The process of tar and chip paving maintenance requires that you work with the right equipment and apply the right amount of liquid asphalt. This process is critical for the longevity of the pavement and is usually performed during dry weather. The proper mix of liquid asphalt and water is applied on the existing pavement to ensure that it remains durable. Then, a layer of "gravel" or aggregate is added to the top of the liquid asphalt to create a slip-resistant surface.

In contrast to blacktop, tar and chip paving maintenance is almost zero. Unlike asphalt, tar and chip requires fewer repairs and sealing than blacktop. It does not show visible cracks like blacktop does, so the process is less time consuming. Plus, tar and chip surfaces have the advantage of providing extra traction during snow and wet conditions. Whether your driveway, parking lot, or street is asphalt or tar and chip, these surfaces are easy to clean.