Tar and Chip Driveway vs Asphalt Paving Driveway
While you may not be familiar with the name tar and chip paving, you’ve almost certainly seen driveways and roads built this way. Or maybe you know it by one of its other names: chip-and-seal, sealing-chip, crushed stone or liquid asphalt and stone. Whatever the name, it’s probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “driveways,” as concrete, gravel, cobblestone, and tarmac are the more common sidewalks.
You’ve probably driven miles of paved roads and parking lots. Especially in rural areas, this way of paving has been used successfully for a long time. Plus, it’s also a good gateway option for those looking to keep costs down.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is the most common material used for driveway paving and parking lots. This material not only looks gorgeous, but it also can be very durable. When installing asphalt paving the area needs to first be excavated and graded. After these initial steps are completed you can begin to pave. The contractor will then allow the base to settle before adding the hot mix asphalt to the surface with a heavy-duty roller. Once the mix is completely laid, only will the driveway be ready to use.
i. What are the advantages of asphalt driveways?
Asphalt has a number of benefits that it offers homeowners.
The advantages of asphalt consist of the following:
- Longevity – A properly made asphalt paved driveway lasts up to 30 years if installed professionally and maintained over the years.
- Durable – Asphalt has the reputation of being strong enough to support large vehicles.
- Flexibility – Unlike other forms of paving methods asphalt can be very flexible. In other words, it is less likely to crack over the years.
- Cost: Compared to a number of other paving options, asphalt is very affordable.
ii. Asphalt Driveways: Things to Consider
Similar to other paving options asphalt has things that should be taken into consideration.
- Temperatures: In hot temperatures asphalt can absorb the heat and make its surface very hot. Which in turn can raise the temperature inside of vehicles?
- Maintenance: Although asphalt is very durable, it still needs some tender love and care.
iii. How much does it cost to asphalt a driveway?
Pricing for asphalt driveways varies a lot. It mainly depends on the property. What you pay depends on the size of the driveway, the condition of the base and how much site prep the job needs. Asphalt is priced by the square foot, and the rate moves with the size of the job, the thickness required and the condition of the base.
Asphalt Paving: priced by the square foot
Asphalt Paving: quoted after an on-site measurement
Tar and Chip Driveways
Tar and Chip driveways give homeowners a more unique design. Over the years this paving method has been growing in popularity. Before you choose a contractor to handle this project, be sure to take these factors into consideration.
i. What are the advantages of Tar and Chip driveways?
Some of the advantages of getting a tar and chip driveway done include the following.
- Price – This paving option has been known to be one of the cheapest methods price-wise. Despite the low price homeowners can still expect beautiful results from this option.
- Process – Unlike other paving options, Tar and Chip are really simple. After laying a gravel base next is
ii. Tar and Chip Driveways: Things to Consider
- Snow Removal – Before removing any snow from a tar and chip driveway be sure to act accordingly prior to removal. We recommend homeowners to use a shovel or snowblower to clear snow off Tar and Chip property.
- Contractors – These types of contractors are hard to come by. Fortunately enough for you, Willies Paving offer some of the best Tar and Chip paving in Pennsylvania. We allow homeowners to feel confident that a highly skilled professional will handle their paving project.
iii. How much does it cost to tar and chip a driveway?
Due to Tar and Chip being basically asphalt and gravel we can compare prices to asphalt’s prices. Tar and chip is generally the more economical option per square foot, especially over larger areas. A full-on project, on the other hand, can be less. The total depends on the size of the driveway, the condition of the base and how many stone layers are applied.
Tar and Chip Paving: priced by the square foot
Tar and Chip Paving: quoted after an on-site measurement
iv. How long will it last?
Homeowners can expect their Tar and Chip property to last 7 to 10 years. Typically around that time, you will want to add another layer to the property.
Which one should you choose?
At the end of the day, both paving options will be excellent for homeowners. Unfortunately, we can’t honestly say which one is better. Both paving options have their pros and cons as read above. They also work great for specific jobs. If you want to know which one works great for your property then reach out to Willie’s Paving for a free quote. We will have one of our professionals to come out to your property to provide a quote for the project.
Tar and Chip vs Asphalt
| Feature | Tar and Chip | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Surface look | Natural stone, textured, stone colour shows | Smooth, solid black |
| Traction | High, the exposed stone grips well | Smooth, less grip when wet |
| Sealcoating | Not needed | Recommended every few years |
| Loose stone | Some in the first weeks | None |
| Snow plowing | Plow blade can catch the stone | Smooth, easier to plow |
| Repairs | Patch by re-chipping the area | Cut out and patch, easy to blend |
| Best for | Rural and longer drives, a rustic look | Smooth, low maintenance drives and lots |
Key Takeaways
- Tar and chip is stone rolled into sprayed asphalt binder.
- It does not need sealcoating; asphalt does.
- Expect some loose stone in the first few weeks.
- Asphalt is smoother and easier to plow.
- Both need a properly built base to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tar and chip cheaper than asphalt?
It is generally the more economical option for larger areas, but the difference depends on your base condition, size and access. We measure on site and quote the actual job.
How long does a tar and chip driveway last?
A well-built tar and chip surface on a solid base commonly lasts 7 to 10 years or more with normal use.
Does tar and chip need to be sealed?
No. The stone surface does not require sealcoating the way smooth asphalt does, which is one of its main maintenance advantages.
Can you plow a tar and chip driveway?
Yes, but with care. A plow blade set too low can catch and pull the stone, so raising the blade slightly or using skid shoes helps.
Can tar and chip go over an existing driveway?
Often yes, if the existing surface is stable and well drained. If the base has failed, it needs rebuilding first.
