What Are the Pros and Cons of Tar-and-Chip Driveways?

What Are the Pros and Cons of Tar-and-Chip Driveways?

What is Tar-and-Chip Driveways?

Tar-and-chip driveways are a type of gravel driveway that is built using hot tar and chip seal. The tar is applied hot and then covered with a layer of gravel. The gravel is then compacted to create a solid surface.

Tar-and-chip driveways are a type of asphalt driveway that is less expensive than traditional concrete or asphalt driveways. Tar-and-chip driveways are made by laying a layer of hot tar over the existing gravel driveway, then adding a layer of chip seal.

The tar bonds the chip seal to the driveway, providing a durable surface that is less likely to crack or crumble than traditional asphalt.

Pros and Cons of Tar-and-Chip Driveways

Pros of Tar-and-Chip Driveways

1. Tar-and-chip driveways are affordable:

Tar-and-chip driveways are less expensive than traditional concrete or asphalt driveway.

2. Tar-and-chip driveways can be installed quickly:

Many tar-and-chip driveway companies claim that their services are very quick, often making them a popular choice for quick completion of projects. This is because you do not have to wait for the raw materials like you do with asphalt or concrete.

3. Tar-and-chip driveways are durable and long lasting:

Tar-and-chip driveways are made from tough materials that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This makes them a popular choice for long term, if not permanent, use.

4. Tar-and-chip driveways do not require sealing:

Most tar-and-chip driveway installers offer their services with or without sealant installation. If you already have a driveway that you wish to keep, adding on a layer of chip seal will allow you to do so at no extra cost.

5. Tar-and-chip driveways reduce dust and noise:

The asphalt layer that is used to make traditional driveways can create a lot of dust, especially during the summer months or if your driveway or garage are adjacent to your home.

Tar-and-chip driveways do not require a strong base layer like traditional asphalt, so there is no need to use such strong materials.

6. Tar-and-chip driveways are easy to maintain:

As tar-and-chip driveways are made from materials that are naturally occurring, the only maintenance required is to blow the surface clean to remove any dirt or debris. Tar-and-chip driveways are low-maintenance.

7. Tar-and-chip driveways do not require a permit:

If you install tar-and-chip driveway on your own, you do not need to obtain a permit. This can save you time and money if you have the required equipment and skillset.

8. Tar-and-chip driveways are slip resistant:

Many people who use tar-and-chip driveways claim that their driveways are more slip resistant than traditional asphalt or concrete.

9. Tar-and-chip driveways look better than traditional asphalt:

Tar-and-chip driveways are usually more aesthetically pleasing and are nearly impossible to tell apart from natural gravel or soil.

10. Tar-and-chip driveways are water resistant:

Tar-and-chip driveways do not absorb water and can protect your home from flooding and dampness.

11. Tar-and-chip driveways are aesthetically pleasing:

Many people who have used tar-and-chip driveways claim that their house looks more appealing and are very hard to tell apart from natural gravel or soil.

12. Tar-and-chip driveways are less expensive than traditional asphalt:

Many people who have used tar-and-chip driveways claim that they are much cheaper than traditional asphalt, often costing less than half the price.

13. Tar-and-chip driveways are versatile:

This material can be used in various applications, including patios and walkways, which gives you many options on how you can use it.

14. Tar-and-chip driveways are cost-effective.

This is because tar-and-chip driveways are relatively easy to install and maintain, and they have a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from.

Cons of Tar-and-Chip Driveways

1. Snows plows and removal can be an issue:

If you use a snow plow on your driveway, it can create a bumpy surface that can damage the surrounding asphalt.

This can damage the surrounding asphalt, especially if your driveway is not perfectly level. If this happens, you may want to consider adding a layer of sealant over the tar-and-chip driveway.

2. Tar-and-chip driveways can be challenging to install:

If you choose to install your tar-and-chip driveway yourself, you may find that the materials are not sturdy enough to support the weight of a heavy driver.

3. Tar-and-chip driveways can be expensive:

If you hire an asphalt or concrete company to install your driveway, they will take into account all their expenses, from the materials and labor to delivery and removal of old asphalt.

4. Chip mess:

If you choose to install a layer of sealant on your driveway, you may find that it leaves a small mess of chip waste when it is removed.

5. Tar-and-chip driveway splatter:

If you choose to paint your tar-and-chip driveway, you may find that the paint does not stay on the surface for long and creates a sticky blobs of tar or chip waste after it has been painted.

6. Tar-and-chip driveways can stain:

If you choose to paint your tar-and-chip surface, you may find that it becomes stained when it comes into contact with oil or other substances.

7. Tar-and-chip driveways can never be truly clean:

If you choose to seal your tar-and-chip driveway, you may find that the sealed surface becomes dirty when it rains. This can make your driveway look dirty and it can be hard to remove.

8. Tar-and-chip driveways may be a fire hazard:

If you choose to install a layer of sealant over your tar-and-chip driveway, this can make it more flammable. You may want to consider not installing a layer of sealant over your tar-and-chip driveway.

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