Best Tar and Chip Paving Company in Irving

Tar and Chip Paving

Stuck between asphalt and a hard place? Also known as liquid-asphalt-and-stone or macadam, this is an inexpensive paving method that is often used in rural areas due to its rugged and rustic look. Though not as strong as concrete, the durability of a tar-and-chip surface is comparable to asphalt in many ways.
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Tar and chip paving is a method in which hot tar is spread across a gravel base. Then, as the tar is still hot and malleable, stones are poured throughout the surface. This paving method has become increasingly popular as the stones can add a very unique aesthetic to your home and business. It comes with many perks and drawbacks. Let’s explore these in more depth.

Is Tar and Chip Cheaper Than Asphalt?

Yes. Asphalt costs average about $7 and $13 per square foot. Tar and chip paving costs only about $2 to $5. This is due to a few different reasons, but the biggest factors are labor and material costs. Asphalt requires multiple layers of the subterranean solid base covered by an aggregate base course. The blacktop mixture is then spread across these two lower layers.
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Tar and Chip, also known as seal chip, only requires one solid base layer that could consist of gravel or a pre-existing driveway. This reduces material costs as well as labor costs. The largest cost factor in this driveway pavement type would be the current cost of oil.

Tar and Chip Pros and Cons

There are many positives for seal chip driveways, however, there are still a few drawbacks to chip paving. Overall, the pros of tar and chip driveways are plenty. They cost less than an asphalt driveway and are easily maintained. Asphalts require recurring sealcoating to stay safe from harsh weather, while these require much less attention. Tar and Chip surfaces also provide better traction and are more durable than gravel, while providing a rocky aesthetic that you could only get from stone driveways.
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The cons against tar and chip driveways are few. The biggest issue would be that they have a lower lifespan than concrete that can only be repaved to be maintained. Snowplows should also be cautious to not break apart the uneven rock surface by lifting the plow a few inches from the ground. The other con would be that contractors that do this type of work can be scarce.

Is Tar and Chip a Good Parking Lot Surface?

​Depending on your living situation, tar and chip should be considered when you have residential lots that will benefit from little maintenance, a lot of traction, and a bit of a rustic aesthetic. They will save you plenty of time and money, but you will need to find a contractor in your area. Areas with a lot of snowfall should take into account how many times they are expecting to have their driveway plowed.

Everyone should also contact their neighborhood or local government to see if this type of paving is allowed in your area. Some neighborhoods have very strict rules regarding paving projects and should always be consulted.

​Finding a professional contractor in your area will also answer all of the questions that you might have concerning the options for a good parking lot surface.

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