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Tar and Chip Paving

Tar and chip paving simply means a driveway or parking lot made of tar and chip as a substitute to asphalt.

​People make use of tar and chip on their driveway for many reasons; to cut down cost, for its crude appearance, and many others. Irrespective of the reason for use, any road you find tar and chip on is known as its paving. 

Is Tar and Chip Cheaper Than Asphalt?

​Tar and chip are important substitutes for asphalt for driveways and it has been used for quite sometimes as well. Asphalt is more expensive compared to tar and chip probably because of the use of a large amount of oil in the installation of the former.

Tar and chip cost a little bit less than asphalt and the former could differ for as low as 2 dollars to a maximum of 5 dollars per square foot but when you sum this up over all the square foot, you will see you have saved a quite reasonable amount.

​Tar and chip are composed of gravel and liquid asphalt which is probably the reason for the difference in price per square foot. The larger the area to be covered with tar and chip, the more cost you will save up compared to asphalt. 

Tar and Chip Pros and Cons

Tar and chip are characterized with a crude texture unlike asphalt that has a smooth and fine texture but this crude texture makes it to be firmed on rainy or a snowy day to car tires or those walking on foot. However, tar and chip are not without merits or demerits and this section is dedicated to highlights it accordingly.

​Pros 

• No complexity in construction - ​Tar and chip follow the same process for any form of paving which systematically involves pouring hot liquid asphalt after the initial installation of gravel at the base. To form the crude surface of tar and chip, the liquid asphalt is mixed together with loose stones. Tar and chip can either be newly constructed or used on an old driveway provided it’s not damaged yet.
• Aesthetic appearance - Tars and chips provide an excellent look when different colors of stones are mixed. Do you want to give that extra attraction to your parking lots or driveway? You can achieve this with tar and chip. 
• Cost-effectiveness - The cost can be pivotal to the selection of tar and chip for your driveway or parking lots most especially when you have a marrow budget from which you operate. It cost lesser than asphalt and you can get considerable years out of it. Also, the maintenance of driveways and parking lots made of tar and chip is relatively low compare to the ones made with asphalt.

Cons

• Damage from snowplow - One major problem that plagues tars and chips occurs when snows cover the driveway or the parking lot and there is a need to make use of a snowplow. The snowplow may damage the tar and chip surface by scraping off some parts of the surface.
• Reduced lifespan - Tar and chip can last for a minimum of 7 years and a maximum of 10 years when it is adequately maintained before needing replacement or reinforcement with new tar and chip materials. 
• Fewer experts  - Not many experts are available when tar and chip are concerned and it is not something you can fix-up yourself. Therefore, it is important to always look out for an expert in tar and chip paving before deciding to make use of it.

Is Tar and Chip a Good Parking Lot Surface?

Are you faced with if tar and chip are good for your parking lot surface and you don’t seem to find a satisfying answer? 
A simple “yes” to your question, tar and chip is good for parking lot space. Tar and chip offer a beautiful crude surface that is firm and solid well enough to withstand the weight of trunks and vehicles without you worrying about been damaged.

​The life expectancy of tar and chip might not be the best but when you compare the cost to that of asphalt in terms of construction and maintenance, you will see that it is well-spent money in which you don’t have to break the bank for. Therefore, tar and chip is a good alternative for your parking lot surface. 

CALL TODAY TO GET A FREE QUOTE ON ASPHALT TAR AND CHIP PAVING
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(817) 799-6368