Tar-and-chip driveways, also known as chip seal or surface dressing driveways, are a popular pavement surfacing option for many homeowners. As with any driveway material, tar-and-chip has both advantages and disadvantages to consider. Understanding the pros and cons of tar-and-chip can help you determine if it is the right driveway solution for your home.
What is a Tar-and-Chip Driveway?
A tar-and-chip driveway is made by spraying hot tar or asphalt emulsion onto an existing pavement surface, then immediately covering it with a layer of crushed stone aggregate chips. The tar binds the chips together and to the underlying surface, creating a textured, skid-resistant wearing course that seals and protects the driveway.
Tar-and-chip driveways are also known as chip seal or surface dressing driveways. They are a low-cost resurfacing technique that extends the life of aging driveways by providing a new wearing surface.
Pros of Tar-and-Chip Driveways
Low Cost
One of the biggest advantages of tar-and-chip driveways is their low cost compared to other paving options. Laying a tar-and-chip surface costs $1-3 per square foot on average, making it one of the most budget-friendly driveway solutions. It can provide an affordable way to improve the appearance and functionality of an existing driveway.
Fast Installation
Tar-and-chip driveways can be installed quickly, usually in a single day. This makes it a good option when you need to improve your driveway on a tight timeline or budget. The simplicity of the application process allows contractors to resurface driveways efficiently.
Good Grip
The textured surface of tar-and-chip creates excellent traction and skid resistance for tires. The crushed stone aggregates provide solid grip even in wet conditions, improving safety and reducing the risk of skidding on a slick driveway.
Seals & Protects
Tar seals the underlying pavement surface from water infiltration. This helps prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles and other weathering factors. The tar also protects the pavement from UV radiation damage. Overall, a tar-and-chip coating can extend the lifespan of aging driveways.
Easy Repairs
One advantage of tar-and-chip is that it is relatively easy to spot repair. Damaged sections can be re-coated with additional tar and chips to keep the surface looking uniform. Compared to concrete or asphalt driveways, it is simple and affordable to patch problem areas as needed.
Aesthetic Options
Tar-and-chip offers flexibility in colors and stone sizes, allowing homeowners to customize the appearance. Larger aggregates create a more textured look, while smooth and colorful pea gravel can provide an attractive, decorative finish. You can choose chips that complement your home’s style.
Cons of Tar-and-Chip Driveways
Rough Texture
While the coarse texture provides good traction, it can also feel rougher than other driveway materials underfoot. The loose gravel chips take some getting used to for those accustomed to the smoother feel of concrete or asphalt.
Vulnerable to Gas & Oil
Tar is vulnerable to damage from gasoline, motor oil, and other automotive fluids. Drips and spills from vehicles can cause discoloration and degradation of the tar coating. Care should be taken to quickly clean up any spills to avoid permanent staining or weaknesses.
Requires Occasional Maintenance
While tar-and-chip surfaces require less extensive maintenance than concrete or asphalt, they do need periodic renewal to maintain their integrity. Typically a reapplication of additional tar and chips is needed every 5-7 years.
Snow Removal Difficulties
Clearing snow from tar-and-chip can be challenging since shovels and plows risk catching on the stone chips. The aggregates can also become loosened by heavy snow or ice. Gentle plowing and shovels are best to avoid scraping off the surface.
Not Ideal for Harsh Climates
In regions with extremely cold winters, the tar binder can become brittle and prone to cracking under freeze-thaw stresses. Tar-and-chip is better suited to temperate or warmer climates than continually sub-freezing winters.
Can Be Messy
During the first few weeks after application, tar-and-chip driveways typically shed some excess stone chips until the surface is settled. This can result in loose gravel being tracked indoors or collecting along the edges. A little initial tidying up is required.
Provides Less Support
Unlike thicker poured concrete or asphalt, tar-and-chip is simply a surface coating that provides little structural strength or support. It should only be applied over an existing solid pavement base.
Is a Tar-and-Chip Driveway Right for You?
Best Suited For:
- Homeowners on a tight budget
- Those wanting a quick driveway repair or upgrade
- Anyone needing improved traction on a slippery driveway
- Warm or moderate climates
May Not Be Ideal For:
- Those wanting a smooth, sleek driveway appearance
- Harsh climates with extended freezing temperatures
- Areas that accumulate heavy snow
- Homeowners needing more robust structural support
Considerations:
- Tar-and-chip provides an affordable, fast way to improve your existing pavement, but requires periodic maintenance.
- The textured surface offers excellent grip, but may feel rougher underfoot than other materials.
- Tar is vulnerable to oil drips and spills, so care is needed to avoid permanent damage or stains.
- Repairs are simple, but snow removal requires gentle plowing to avoid scraping off the chips.
Conclusion
For homeowners needing to upgrade their driveway affordably, tar-and-chip is an accessible option that comes with many benefits. The low cost and quick installation make it practical for driveways on a budget. It seals, protects and extends the life of the pavement while providing excellent tire traction. However, the surface requires occasional renewal and may not be ideal for colder climates or those desiring a smooth appearance. Consider both the pros and cons to decide if a tar-and-chip driveway will meet your needs and preferences. With the right expectations, it can be a great solution for many homeowners seeking to improve their existing driveway cost-effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost per square foot for a tar-and-chip driveway?
On average, tar-and-chip driveways cost $1-3 per square foot installed. This low cost makes them one of the most budget-friendly driveway options. Exact pricing will vary based on your location and contractor.
How long does a tar-and-chip driveway last?
A properly maintained tar-and-chip driveway can last 5-7 years before needing reapplication. Preventative care like resealing cracks or small damaged patches can further extend the lifespan. Eventually the wearing surface will require a full renewal.
What is the best stone size for a tar-and-chip driveway?
Chips sized between 3/8 to 5/8 inches provide an optimal blend of texture and smoothness for most driveways. Smaller pea gravel under 1/4 inch gives a smoother finish, while larger stones over 1 inch create more texture. Choose based on your climate and desired appearance.
Can you snow plow a tar-and-chip driveway?
Yes, you can plow tar-and-chip driveways, but care should be taken to use a plow blade slightly above the surface to avoid catching and scraping off the stones. A polyurethane or rubber edged plow blade is best. Sweeping up excess chips afterward is also advised.
Do you need to seal a tar-and-chip driveway?
Sealing is not necessary initially, since the tar itself provides a protective seal. But after a few years, resealing cracks and applying an acrylic sealer can help extend the life of the driveway by protecting against oxidative damage and water penetration.
Is tar-and-chip better than asphalt?
Asphalt provides a smoother, more uniform surface, while tar-and-chip offers better traction. Asphalt requires fewer repairs but costs more upfront. Both can last many years with proper maintenance. Choose based on your budget, climate, and preferred surface texture.
Can you apply tar-and-chip over concrete?
Yes, tar-and-chip is commonly used to resurface worn or cracked concrete driveways. The tar seeps into pores and seals the surface, while the aggregates provide a new skid-resistant wearing course. This can extend the life of old concrete by many years.
How soon can you park on a new tar-and-chip driveway?
It’s best to avoid parking on a newly sealed driveway for at least 2-3 days. This allows the tar emulsion time to fully cure so it won’t be picked up by car tires. After that, normal vehicular use and parking can resume without issue.
Can you pressure wash a tar-and-chip driveway?
Yes, you can rinse debris from a tar-and-chip driveway using a pressure washer. Just take care to use a fan tip and keep the pressure under 1500 PSI to avoid blasting off the aggregate chips. Move the nozzle constantly to prevent damage.
Conclusion
Tar-and-chip driveways offer an affordable, fast way to resurface aging driveways and parking areas. Their excellent traction, protection, and low cost make them a practical choice for many homeowners and budgets. However, their rough texture, maintenance needs, and messy installation require consideration. Taking into account both the pros and cons will help determine if a tar-and-chip driveway is the right solution for your home and preferences. With realistic expectations about their performance, tar-and-chip can be a durable and economical driveway option.