Differences Between Tar and Chip Driveways vs Asphalt Driveways

If you're building a new home and need a new driveway, or you have an existing gravel road and driveway, you may be interested in a low-maintenance Tar and Chip Paving solution rather than a traditional asphalt driveway.

As an experienced asphalt paving company in the McDonough area, our professionals at Georgia Asphalt Services have installed a countless number of driveways by using both tar and chip paving methods and traditional asphalt construction methods.

Learning all you can about the differences between them will help you to make the right decision for your particular situation. To help you make a good decision about your new driveway, we've listed a few of the differences in tar and chip driveways vs. asphalt driveways below.

Tar and Chip Driveways vs Asphalt Driveways

While looking at both types of driveways head-on, it's difficult to distinguish which is tar and chip paving vs. a traditional asphalt driveway. This is because both chip sealing and traditional asphalt pavement are made of the same ingredients; tar and small aggregates (crushed stone).

Many home and business owners in areas like Stroudsburg and Bangor choose to install a tar and chip paving rather than a traditional concrete or asphalt driveway because of the maintenance and cost differences, but it's not the right solution for everyone.

Tar and Chip Driveways:

One of the major difference between the two are in the construction method used, but there are other differences as well.

• Crushed stone is spread on top of the hot liquid asphalt mix after it's applied to a gravel base.
• Can be applied to existing driveway if it's in good condition. An inverted double chip seal can be applied to gravel roads.
• Costs less.
• No sealcoating required.
• Very little maintenance needed.
• Better looking.
• More surface traction, great for climates like ours in Stroudsburg.
• Can last 10 years or more before needing to be resurfaced.

Asphalt Driveways:

• Building a paved base is necessary, which involves more excavation and grading.
• Cannot be applied to existing driveways or gravel roads, removal expenses involved.
• Costs more.
• Sealcoating and other maintenance is required.
• Can last up to 30 years if maintained.