Having a beautiful and well-maintained driveway should be a priority for homeowners. A crumbling driveway will lower the curb appeal even if you own a gorgeous home. Signs it is time to redo or replace your driveway include cracks, potholes, drainage issues, fading or rough appearance, or it is extremely old.
Eventually, you need to repair or replace every type of driveway. Cooper Paving is one of the top paving contractors in Annapolis, MD, and offers many options for redoing or replacing your driveway. Tar and chip paving is one of the services we offer 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.
You don’t need to seal tar and chip surfaces; they draw less heat than blacktop paving. They are amazing and can make your property look stunning. This option has many color and style options to best match your house or property. You can choose just plain stone or a more decorative stone choice. The most popular colors we use are reds, browns, and tans.
There are also many different shapes available. You can combine colors and shapes to customize your look. The possibilities 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, installing tar and chip is a fairly simple process. 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 the hot tar. Eventually, the stones 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 removing snow.
Tar and Chip Driveway FAQs
A tar-and-chip driveway is a unique way to set your house apart. It is not a well-known option, so many customers have 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 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 to 20 years. They are less durable than concrete, which can last up to 40 years, but concrete 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 that drive on it before it has fully cured can damage it. 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?
We can install tar and chip over dirt or previous driveway material. As long as the ground is firm and in good condition, you can install tar and chip over the previous material.
How do you maintain a tar-and-chip driveway?
Maintaining a tar-and-chip driveway can be more difficult than maintaining a paved one because the material can shift and move. To keep everything in place, it is important not to accelerate or brake hard on your driveway.
Can you chip-seal a gravel driveway?
Yes, we can tar and chip seal over a gravel driveway. If the gravel is in good condition, we can also 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 its performance in each will differ. It is best suited for moderate climates and areas with freeze-thaw cycles, so it is a good option for Maryland residents.
Are there any disadvantages to having a tar and chip driveway?
This type of driveway has a rough texture. It may not be comfortable to walk on and does not provide a smooth driving surface. There are loose stones, especially while the driveway is settling, which some may find inconvenient. It does require maintenance to keep it looking nice, but not as much maintenance as a gravel driveway.
Choose Cooper Paving for Your Driveway Needs Today
Cooper Paving provides high-quality, low-carbon footprint tar and chip paving solutions that last. With decades of experience in tar and chip paving applications, our crews have the knowledge and skills to do the job correctly. We are family-owned and run and have served 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 ensure that your newly paved tar and chip road or driveway meets and exceeds your needs. We value your time, so we provide fast, free estimates! Contact us today for your free estimate.