Is a Tar-and-Chip Driveway Right for You?
What Is a Tar-and-Chip Driveway?
Tar-and-chip paving looks similar to asphalt but uses a different installation process.
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You have probably driven over miles of tar-and-chip roadways and parking lots.
And this form of paving has a long history of successful use, especially in rural areas.
Plus, it’s a good driveway choice for those wanting to keep costs down.
The cost of these driveways will likely climb a bit when the commodity price of oil increases.
Tar-and-chip paving can last as long as 10 years vs. 40 years or so for concrete.
Maintenance and Repair
Little upkeep is required with tar-and-chip driveways.
Unlike asphalt, it doesn’t need to be repeatedly sealed, and small cracks tend to heal themselves.
The surface can be renewed every 10 years or so by spreading additional hot bitumen and loose stone.
The rough surface of tar-and-chip paving can be scraped by snowplows that apply too much pressure.
Design
Tar-and-chip driveways create a decidedly rustic look.
They are most appropriate for rural locations or informal landscapes.
Because they are relatively inexpensive, tar-and-chip can be a good paving material for locations with long driveways.
Tar-and-Chip Driveway Installation
Building a tar-and-chip driveway is a pretty simple process.
First, as with most driveway materials, a gravel base is installed.
Then, hot liquid asphalt is poured over the gravel.
Tar-and-chip can be installed over existing driveway materials, provided they are in reasonably good shape.
And this is not a DIY-friendly project.
Both asphalt and concrete are more slippery than tar-and-chip.
Both refer to a sticky liquid or semi-liquid form of petroleum.
Unlike tar, which is a distilled substance, bitumen/asphalt is a naturally occurring material.
Tar-and-chip paving creates a more informal look than asphalt, and it is less expensive and less durable.
