What’s the Difference Between a Tar and Chip Driveway and an Asphalt Driveway?

If you’re looking to have a new driveway installed or hoping to revamp an existing driveway at your home, you may think traditional asphalt is the only available option. But there is a more affordable option that may work just as well for you: tar and chip asphalt.
There are a few differences between traditional asphalt and tar and chip asphalt, but they are essentially the same thing at their core. Here is more information about tar and chip asphalt so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your driveway.

Cost

One of the most attractive things about tar and chip asphalt driveways is the cost. This type of driveway will typically cost less than traditional asphalt. The price may fluctuate depending on the current price of oil in the world, but not much.

Maintenance

Not only is it typically more affordable, but a tar and chip asphalt driveway can also be easier to maintain than traditional asphalt. This is because it does not have to be sealed repeatedly, and little cracks that may develop usually heal themselves over time. It can also withstand temperature changes very well, and can offer better traction in slippery conditions than traditional asphalt, as it’s less slick.

Differences

Physically, tar and chip asphalt is not much different than traditional asphalt. Both are types of hard pavement that are a mixture of liquid asphalt and aggregate spread out to form a hard surface. Where tar and chip asphalt differs is in the installation.
Tar and chip asphalt has the liquid asphalt, also called bitumen, applied in a separate layer from the aggregate. Traditional asphalt is already mixed and applied in one layer as a hot, malleable material.

Installation

When tar and chip asphalt is installed, the aggregate base is laid down first. The bitumen is then poured over it. Once that’s done, a coating of loose stones is rolled into it to form the finished surface.

The selection of this top layer can be a way to make aesthetic customizations to your tar and chip driveway. For example, you may be able to select a certain color of stones to match or contrast with the rest of the area.

Another benefit of tar and chip driveways is that they can be installed over existing driveways. In order to do this, however, the existing driveway needs to be in good-enough shape to do the job properly. Your paving contractor will be able to help determine the best route to go as far as installation of your new driveway is concerned.

It can be hard to find a paving contractor who has experience in tar and chip asphalt, but it can be worth the search considering how much money you may save over a traditional asphalt driveway.

Fortunately, if you’re reading this, your search for a tar and chip asphalt paver is over, because you can contact Paveco Inc. today for all your tar and chip asphalt needs. We look forward to assisting you soon!

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