Tar and Chip Driveways, Parking Lots and Sidewalks Cost
New Brunswick, Trenton and Hunterdon County, New Jersey
What are Tar and Chip Driveways, Parking Lots and Sidewalks?
- Tar and Chip, chip and seal, seal chip or macadam all names refer to a pavement made from a layer of asphalt (hot in liquid form) spread evenly across a prepared surface and then quickly stone chips are pressed into it. The chips are small stones roughly the same size and are made from crushed rock. Pebbles or round stone should not be used because they will not fit together as tight to form a flat pavement when rolled over with wide rubber tires.
- Typically, these pavements are lower in cost than asphalt pavement unless your choosing a less widely available chip color choice in order to create a unique and personally appealing pavement surface. Many people prefer tar and chip driveway as they blend in with natural surroundings and enhance the appeal of natural landscapes.
Rolling Light Tar and Chip Driveway
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Closeup of a Proper Flat Tar and Chip
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Red Tar and Chip Driveway
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How are Tar and Chip Driveways Built?
- The base of the pavement is the same as for an asphalt pavement- a thick rolled gravel base with proper grading to flow water away.
- The road surface is cleaned of debris and holes patched then a heated truck with hot liquid asphalt (150 to 185 degrees) will spread a layer of the liquid across the surface to be paved.
- Then, the stone chip spreader truck must follow quickly before the liquid asphalt has had time to harden so the chips will be embedded into the liquid asphalt. The stone chips are crushed to a specific size and cleaned of dust and debris to provide flat surfaces.
- Next, a rubber tire roller is used to orient the flat sides of the rock together and set them into the liquid asphalt to produce a tight chip seal pavement. Usually, it will take 2 to 4 passes of the roller to set the rock firmly.
- Finally, sweeping is done within 4 hours of the rolling process, and typically again a day or two later. If loose chips are left on the pavement surface it will damage the chip seal pavement by digging into and loosening the set stone chips.
Spreading Tar by Hand on Small Driveway
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Hot Liquid Asphalt Spreader
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Almost Finished Rolling Tar and Chip
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Tar and Chip Driveways
- Tar and chip paving is an affordable upgrade from the dusty sometimes muddy gravel driveway. Tar and chip is also less expensive that asphalt and requires no maintenance- one just waits 7 to 10 years when the driveway worn down and adds another layer of tar and stones. However, snow removal can be a problem because a snowplow can damage the driveway shortening its lifespan.
- Safety is enhanced by providing a rougher surface during rain, winter snow or ice storms- in fact black ice is pretty much eliminated.
- In hot weather, tar and chip pavement re-seals cracks as the asphalt softens and pulls the chips back together.
- Less time for install versus an asphalt road, parking lot or driveway; as soon as the pavement hardens it can be driven on.
Cost of a Tar and Chip Driveway
- Many costs are the same as with an asphalt driveway install, such as land clearing needs, grading for water runoff, soil conditioning (additives mix in the soil to strengthen it), depth of gravel subbase and most importantly size of the driveway. The additional cost is the choice of chip stone some colors are more expensive.
- Our free estimates will consider clients’ needs, desires, cost, longevity and appearance. We will give you the tools you need to decide the most cost effect and appropriate installation that will provide years of trouble free service for your property and enhance its value.
If you have questions about tar and chip driveway services provided by Jersey Strong Paving or if you want to set up an appointment for a free consultation, please call or text (609) 337 - 4944
Chip Stone Compacted in Parking Lot
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Hot Liquid Asphalt Being Laid Down
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Tar and Chip Parking Lots
- Grading and gavel base preparations for Tar and Chip Parking Lots are the same as preparations made for asphalt parking lots only the top course is different with Tar and Chip being more of a rough surface. Tar and Chip parking lots carry a few positives over asphalt such as:
- Small cracks can repair themselves when the tar heats up in warm weather it will resettle in the cracks and stones will again cover the surface.
- Lower Cost than asphalt or cement and just slightly more expensive then gravel.
- Does not have to be sealed regularly so really very little maintenance is required except taking care of any weeds that may have found a parking spot.
- The rough surface of the pavement provides improved traction for foot and vehicle traffic.
- Durable- Longevity will typically last 10 years before it will need resurfacing.
- However, for snow removal during winter months the plowers will have to raise their shovels just above the pavement so the surface isn’t damaged.
Tar and Chip Parking Lot Cost
- Tar and Chip Paving is being used in the USA oftentimes as pavement rehabilitation by property owners that don’t carry enough funds to tear up a parking lot and rebuild it instead they can process Tar and Chip over it.
- A Tar and Chip parking lot is less expensive that an asphalt parking lot which is attractive to property owners in rural locations. Other costs are: land clearing needs, grading for water runoff, soil conditioning (additives mix in the soil to strengthen it), depth of gravel subbase and most importantly size of the parking lot. The additional cost is the choice of chip stone- some colors are more expensive.
Tar and Chip Bike Path
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Tar and Chip Sidewalk Install
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Tar and Chip Sidewalks and Pathways
- Woodland Tar and Chip paths winding through a forest or garden are one of the best ways for community members or tourists to see countless species of wildflowers and many forest creatures harbored within. All will welcome the bits of color that will grow along the landscape friendly paths- no ugly black asphalt ribbon of pathway marring the view. The Tar and Chip paths will also help people from getting lost while keeping their feet dry from wet patches and avoiding painful thorny vegetation. These functional paths help people enjoy the outdoors in convenience and safety. Paths also reduce damage to the native plants and delicate forest soils by protecting the rest of the forest from traffic compaction. Park Services or private camping communities please don’t hesitate to contact Jersey Strong Paving to established a woodland path- we build them strong and long lasting.
- Tar and Chip sidewalks are an attractive accompaniment to a Tar and Chip driveway. Tar and Chip sidewalks and driveways are designed to blend with the surrounding landscape. Tar and Chip paving- a more economical method of paving that offers a charming country look with several colors available. Tar and Chip pavement is known to be durable for around 10 years.
- Contact call or text (609) 337 – 4944 Jersey Strong Paving for a free consultation and firm quote to install a Tar and Chip sidewalk, bike path or woodland path- we build them strong and long lasting.