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Driveways face the brunt of our comings and goings, year after year.  This can be said for all kinds of driveways, regardless of their materials, and it’s no different for tar and chip driveways. 

A little love and care may go a long way to ensure your tar and chip driveway weathers the elements and sustains its attractive appearance. In this blog post, we’ll examine the best practices for maintaining your tar and chip driveway. 

LSL Surfacing offers a variety of paving solutions, including tar and chip surfacing. As a trusted driveway maintenance company, we offer services for the proper and long-lasting care to your driveway. From seasonal maintenance to addressing common issues, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s learn about how to keep your driveway in top shape

What is Tar and Chip Surfacing?

 Have you ever driven down a country road with a surface that feels grippy yet natural? That's likely tar and chip surfacing. It's a cost-effective paving method that gives you a bit of both worlds—the smooth stability of asphalt and the rugged look of gravel. 

Also referred to as chip sealing, it combines layers of crushed stone with heated liquid asphalt cement. This kind of technique is often used for driveways, walkways, and low-traffic roads. It provides a good balance between affordability and usefulness.

How is a Tar and Chip Driveway Installed?

To install a tar and chip driveway, the surface must first be thoroughly cleaned and prepped before a coating of hot liquid asphalt is applied. This asphalt acts as a binding agent, securing the crushed stone that is evenly spread over it. A heavy roller is used to push the stone into the asphalt once it has been distributed. This helps in creating a solid, textured surface and a firm bond. 

This results in a surface that looks natural, has good traction, and has a rustic charm. It's a great option for driveway car parking lots, country roads, and residential properties.

Tar and chip pavement has reduced maintenance needs in comparison to conventional asphalt or concrete. Its rough surface improves safety by offering better grip, particularly in slippery or rainy situations. 

Potholes and cracks are less likely to occur because the tar and chip surface may adjust to the underlying ground over time. For those looking for a functional and aesthetically pleasing paving solution, this is an enticing alternative because of its versatility and cost-effectiveness.

How to Maintain Tar and Chip Driveway? 

1. Early Maintenance

The first and perhaps most important maintenance tip for a chipped and tar driveway is to start caring for it as soon as you start using it. Make sure the chip seal binder is completely dry before letting anybody walk on the surface. 

You run the danger of having an uneven driveway or loose stones throughout the driveway’s lifespan if you rush this first curing period. This may end up affecting the driveway's appearance and operation.

Patience is crucial—a strong, long-lasting surface can resist the rigours of regular usage. You can ensure this by allowing the tar and chip binder enough time to cure and solidify. It's best to give the new surface at least 24 to 48 hours before parking your vehicle or using it for walking. 

During this waiting time, the chips may be securely fastened by the binder, resulting in a strong and smooth finish. By following this important step, you'll have a driveway that continues to function and look great for many years to come.

2. Pressure Washing

One of the best ways to keep your tar and chip stone driveway clean is to pressure wash it. This will preserve its aesthetic appeal and lifespan. Ideally, you should pressure wash your driveway thoroughly once a year, especially after a lot of snow or rain. This keeps the surface clean and intact by clearing away accumulated dirt and maintaining its optimal state.

Steer clear of strong chemicals while pressure washing your tar and chip driveway. These may harm the sealant and reduce the driveway's longevity. Instead, trust that water alone will do the job. Don't wait to clean up any oil or gasoline spills—use a pressure washer right away. 

Acting quickly prevents these substances from breaking down the tar binder and causing long-term damage. You can maintain a spotless driveway and increase its longevity by regular pressure washing to your maintenance regimen.

3. Reseal the Surface

Compared to other paving materials, chip and tar driveways don't need to be sealed as often. However, regular resealing is still necessary to keep them looking their best. 

After time, some of the stones on your driveway may come loose, or the surface will start to lose its smooth finish. This indicates that a new seal is needed.

Working with a driveway maintenance company will relieve you of this responsibility. They’ll look after your driveway and apply a new seal every three to five years to revitalise it. 

This also enhances the driveway’s appearance and boosts its resistance to the elements. Resealing prevents oil and gas drips from seeping into the binder and shields the surface from the sun's harmful rays. 

Following this easy maintenance procedure prolongs the lifespan of your driveway and keeps it looking fresh and well-maintained. Your tar and chip stone driveway should last for many years to come if you take care of the sealing.

4. Sweep Debris, Dirt, and Loose Stones

For a driveway made of tar and chips to last a long time and look good, regular cleaning is essential. Frequent sweeping keeps your driveway neat, while shielding it from any harm. 

Just like other kinds of roads, gravel, dirt, leaves, twigs, and even pet waste may gather and cause issues if they are not cleared right away. If these materials are not handled carefully, they may lead to stains, discolouration, and even cracks.

Include sweeping in your weekly routine to maintain the best possible condition for your tar and chip driveway. Using a leaf blower can make this process easy and guarantee that no material is left to damage the surface of your driveway. Maintaining regular cleaning can help you keep your driveway looking beautiful and intact for many years to come.

Count on LSL as Your Driveway Maintenance Company

LSL Surface Cleaning is your reliable partner when it comes to preserving the aesthetic appeal and long-term viability of your tar and chip driveway. Our portfolio of successful projects and growing clientele represent our professionalism and commitment to each project. 

Our extensive services, which include tarmac, tar and chip surfacing, are available for both residential and commercial use. We guarantee that all of your surfacing requirements will be met with care.

Whether your goal is to resurface your farm highway, driveway car parking, or walkway, we have the knowledge and equipment to produce exceptional results. As a premium driveway maintenance company in the UK, we can assist you in maintaining the best possible appearance and functionality for your tar and chip driveway. 

If you want to learn more about our services and consult us, contact us on 01223 420369 or 07899 756373.