A Tar and Chip Driveway for Your New Home: Everything You Need to Know

Your Essential Guide

If you have recently moved to a new home and are itching to make it your own, having a new driveway installed is a great place to start. As a leading specialist in tar and chip surfacing with years of experience, we’ve seen first-hand how they can totally transform a property. Here’s everything you need to know about tar and chip, from the materials used to the installation process – along with all the benefits a tar and chip driveway has to offer.

What is a Tar and Chip Driveway?

A tar and chip driveway is a cost-effective and durable paving option that combines hot liquid asphalt with gravel chips. This process creates a textured, rustic surface that not only adds character to your property but also provides excellent traction for vehicles.

Curious about the installation process? Here is how we lay a tar and chip driveway:

• Before the installation begins, your existing driveway surface must be properly prepared. This involves cleaning and levelling the area to ensure a smooth foundation for the new tar and chip drive.
• The hot liquid tar is then applied to the prepared surface as the base layer. This acts as a binder, holding the gravel chips in place and providing a strong foundation for your driveway.
• Once the liquid layer is applied, gravel chips are evenly spread over the surface. The size and colour of these chips can be customised according to your preferences, allowing for a driveway that perfectly complements your property.
• To ensure a tight bond between the tar and chip, a heavy roller is used to compact the materials. This step is crucial for creating a durable and long-lasting driveway surface.

Benefits of Tar and Chip Driveways

A tar and chip driveway boasts a number of benefits, such as:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Tar and chip driveways are generally more budget-friendly compared to traditional paving or concrete. This is thanks to the winning combination of the materials themselves being cheaper, along with reduced labour costs as a result of speedy installation times.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: The rustic appearance of a tar and chip driveway adds a touch of natural beauty to your property. The variety of available gravel colours and sizes allows you to create a driveway that complements the style of your home and landscaping.
• Durability: Tar and chip driveways are known for their durability. The combination of materials creates a robust surface that can withstand heavy traffic and a wide range of weather conditions, making it a practical choice for homeowners seeking a long-lasting solution.
• Low Maintenance: Tar and chip driveways require minimal maintenance. Periodic resealing can help enhance their longevity, and any minor repairs can be easily addressed by adding additional tar and gravel to the affected areas.

We’re Here to Help

To find out more about if a tar and chip driveway could be the right choice for your property, please get in touch with our team today. We’d love to talk to you about tar and chip and will be able to answer any questions you have.