Tar and Chip Installers in Essex and the Southeast
If you are looking for an affordable driveway surfacing solution that requires minimal maintenance, you should consider spray tar and chippings surfacing. This rustic and durable option is cost-effective and provides a beautiful driveway. Greenstone Landscapes has been installing spray tar and chipping surfaces for over 30 years. We’re confident that we are experts in this type of surfacing.
If you’re unfamiliar with this surfacing method, we will tell you why you should consider it for your driveway.
What is Tar and Chip Surfacing?
Tar and chip surfacing is laying hot tar with a stone chip cover, then rolling in. It is also known as ‘spray-tar and chipping’, ‘chip and seal’, ‘seal chip’ or ‘liquid asphalt and stone’. This solution offers a rustic appearance and involves an amount of loose aggregates remaining on the ground.
Tar and Chip Surfacing Examples
The picture above is of one of our tar and chip installations that we carried out at Royal Military Academy in Woolwich, London.
We have successfully installed our preferred hot applied K1-70 Spray Tar with 6mm golden ‘Somersham’ chippings on incredibly prestigious sites such as the Grade I listed Charlton House in Greenwich, see above.
Contact Greenstone Landscapes for Your Spray Tar and Chippings Installation.
How Tar and Chip Driveways are Made
We begin by establishing a robust foundation for the driveway. After excavation, we install a compacted sub-base of mixed aggregates. This provides essential support for the surface layers. Next, we apply a layer of hot bitumen over the sub-base. This acts as a binding agent and seals the foundation. While the bitumen is still hot and tacky, we evenly distribute stone aggregate across the surface. The final step involves using a heavy roller to embed the stone chips into the bitumen layer firmly. This creates the distinctive textured finish of a tar and chip driveway.
We thoroughly clean the surface and repair any damage to existing driveways before applying the new tar and chip layers.
Benefits of Tar and Chip Driveways
There are many benefits to having a tar and chip driveway. Cost is one of the major ones, but it’s not the only one. Here are some of the other advantages:
Tar and Chip Driveways are Low-Maintenance
Unlike other driveway paving options, tar and chip surfacing are low-maintenance. While some loose stones may end on the surface, the underlying chip is embedded, stable, and sturdy. It never needs to be sealed or cleaned and reasonably hides oil stains.
Durability and Practicality
The bitumen cures quickly and can be used by vehicles within half an hour of application. It can cover either tarmac, concrete, or other suitable non-porous surfaces. The process creates a ‘deep-filled’ gravel or stone driveway or pathway without problems like wheel ruts or rainwater pooling.
Tar and Chipping Surfacing is Long-Lasting
One of the main advantages of tar and chip surfacing is its longevity. With proper maintenance, this type of surface can last up to 10 years before needing to be resurfaced. This is significantly longer than asphalt surfaces, which typically must be repaved every 5-7 years.
Tar and Chip Surfacing Costs are Affordable
If you are looking at resurfacing or putting in a new driveway, consider how tar and chip driveway costs are very reasonable and low compared with other possibilities. It is a cost-effective, fast, and attractive option that can save you money in the long run.
Versatile Surface Soliution
Tar and chip surfacing is ideal for all surroundings. Alongside various edging options, it does require suitable substrates to apply upon and use correctly sized, rounded aggregates.
Slip Resistant and Eco Friendly
Tar and chip are slip-resistant surfaces ideal for driveways, making them safe for pedestrians and vehicles. The textured surface also provides good traction, even in wet conditions. Moreover, they are eco-friendly, using less petroleum than traditional asphalt surfaces. They will give more traction than a smooth surface, even when snow-covered. They are better for the elderly or those who feel less sure of their footing, especially in winter.
Where Can Tar and Chip Be Used?
Tar and chip surfacing can be used in a variety of settings, including:
- Residential driveways
- Commercial parking
- Farm roads
- Private roads
- Public pathways
- Estate roads
Ready to give your driveway a low-maintenance and affordable upgrade? Contact us today to learn more about tar and chip surfacing.
Drainage Requirements for Tar and Chip Surfaces
While durable and attractive, tar and chip surfaces are impervious to water, which means they must comply with UK Building Regulations regarding proper drainage. Here’s what you need to know:
Surface Water Management
Due to the impermeable nature of tar and chips, provisions must be made to manage surface water runoff. This is crucial to prevent flooding and protect both your property and neighbouring areas.
Following legislation introduced after severe flooding in 2007, new impermeable driveways and patios must incorporate alternative drainage methods.
Get in Touch with Greenstone Landscapes
If you’d like to discuss your driveway project or learn more about our services, please call us at 01245 890 175 or email us at info@greenstonelandscapes.co.uk.
