- Provides Durable Surface
- Low Maintenance
- Rough Surface Provides Good Traction
- Less Expensive than Hot Mix Asphalt
- Attractive Surface Treatment
Description
Tar and Chipping is a bituminous surface treatment that is used extensively worldwide on low traffic roads and driveways as a cost effective means of maintenance. Generally, this application consists of aggregate spread over a sprayed on asphalt emulsion. The aggregate is then embedded into the emulsion by rolling it, typically with a rubber‐tired roller. This surface provides a rustic alternative to asphalt, with the look and feel of a country gravel road.
Durability
Tar and Chipping seals the driveway to prevent the ingress of water and its rough surface restores skid resistance leading to increased safety, as well as enhancing the appearance of the driveway or parking lot. This type of surface will also accept residential snow blowing and snow plowing. Tar and Chipping installed over a hard surface makes a practical driveway or parking lot, however, certain conditions must be considered before choosing this application: If the driveway sub‐base is soft, or is perpetually wet, or the driveway is very steep, the durability of tar & chipping will be greatly reduced. In this case, we DO NOT recommend that this process be used.
Application
Tar and Chipping is a process in which the area is prepped and then compacted into place. This is followed by the application of a PennDOT approved emulsion applied at the rate of 4/10 gallon per square yard, followed by the application of 1‐B washed limestone at the rate of 20 lbs. per square yard. Rolling follows immediately after the oil and stone chips have been applied in order to start the chipping embedment process.
Maintenance
After the initial application there is a commitment to apply additional layers in subsequent years in order to keep the wearing surface in good condition. No sealing is necessary, so maintenance is easy.
Just a Note!
Do not drive vehicles on a new tar and chip surface for a minimum of 24 hours (longer in hot weather). The surface is tender, just like fresh blacktop. To avoid marking and damaging the surface, do not spin your tires or turn wheels in place.