Having a beautiful and well-maintained driveway should be a priority for homeowners. Even if you own a gorgeous home, a crumbling driveway will lower the curb appeal.
Signs it is time to redo or replace your driveway include cracks, potholes, drainage issues, fading or rough appearance, or it is extremely old.
Every type of driveway will eventually need to be repaired or replaced at some point. Cooper Paving is one of the top paving contractors in Annapolis, MD, that offers many options for redoing or replacing your driveway.
Tar and chip paving is one of the services we offer to customers in and around Annapolis, Maryland.
Tar and Chip Driveways in Anne Arundel County
People who enjoy the look of loose stone should consider a tar and chip driveway. It offers good traction, high curb appeal, and requires less maintenance than other options. It is a low-cost alternative to asphalt paving and offers a more solid surface than gravel.
Tar and chip surfaces are not required to be sealed and draw in less heat than blacktop paving. Tar and chip surfaces are amazing and can make your property look stunning.
With this option, there are many colors and style options to choose from to best match your house or property. You can choose just plain stone or go for a more decorative stone choice. The most popular colors we use are reds, browns, and tans.
There are also many different shapes available. You are able to combine colors and shapes to customize your look. The possibilities really are endless.
Tar and Chip Process
Tar and chip is a paving process that combines crushed stone and liquid asphalt to create a durable, natural-looking driving surface. Similar to stone and gravel, It is a fairly simple process to install tar and chip.
First, our paving experts at Cooper Paving will layer the ground with gravel. Then hot liquid asphalt will be spread over top of that.
Small stones of your choice are then spread over top of the hot tar. Eventually, the stone will settle into the tar, creating a stunning paved surface.
You can expect your new driveway to last about 7-10 years. There is no regular maintenance involved in having a tar and chip driveway.
The only downside to this type of driveway is it is very difficult to remove snow from. A snow plow can easily damage the surface, so you must use caution when with snow removal.
Tar and Chip Driveway FAQs
A tar and chip driveway is a unique way to set your house apart from the others. It is not a well-known option so many of our customers have a lot of questions.
Read through our frequently asked questions and contact us if you have further questions you need answered.
How long does it take for tar and chip to dry?
Tar and chip take anywhere from 24-48 hours to dry after being placed. The tar needs time to fully cure so it is recommended that you wait about a week before using it.
How long does a tar and chip driveway last?
Tar and chip can last anywhere from 10 years to 20 years. Tar and chip are not as durable as concrete which can last up to 40 years, but it is much more durable than gravel.
How long before you can drive on tar and chip seal?
You must wait until your driveway has fully cured to drive on it. Vehicles can damage the driveway if they drive on it before it has fully cured. The amount of time curing takes varies based on weather conditions and other factors. It can be anywhere from one day to a week.
How long will it take you to install a tar and chip driveway?
The installation time will depend on several factors. The main factor is the size of your driveway. However, weather conditions will also play a major role. On average, it will take us a few days up to a week to install a new tar and chip driveway.
Can you tar-and-chip over dirt?
Tar and chip can be installed over dirt or previous driveway material. As long as the ground is firm and in good condition tar and chip can be installed overtop of the previous material.
How do you maintain a tar-and-chip driveway?
Maintaining a tar and chip driveway can be more difficult than a paved driveway because the material used can shift and be moved. It is important to try not to accelerate or brake hard on your driveway to keep everything in place.
Can you chip-seal a gravel driveway?
Yes, we can tar and chip seal over a gravel driveway. Providing that your gravel is in good condition, we can tar and chip seal directly on top of it.
Is a tar and chip driveway suitable for all climates?
A tar and chip driveway will work well in any climate, but how it performs in each will be different. They are best suited for moderate climates and areas that have freeze and thaw cycles. This is why it is a good option for residents in Maryland.
Are there any disadvantages to having a tar and chip driveway?
This type of driveway does have a rough texture. It may not be comfortable to walk on and it does not provide a smooth driving surface.
There are loose stones, especially while the driveway is settling, which some may find inconvenient. Also, it does require maintenance to keep it looking nice however, not as much maintenance compared to a gravel driveway.
Choose Cooper Paving for Your Driveway Needs Today
At Cooper Paving, we provide you with high-quality, low-carbon footprint tar and chip paving solutions that last. With decades of experience in tar and chip paving applications, our paving crews have the knowledge and skills to get the job done right.
We are family owned and run and have been serving families and businesses in Anne Arundel County since 1958. You can always count on Cooper Paving to provide the best job at the best price.
Tar and chip is an affordable alternative to asphalt paving. The team at Cooper Paving will make sure your newly paved tar and chip road or driveway meets and exceeds all of your needs.
We value your time, which is why we provide fast, free estimates! Contact us today for your free estimate.