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Are you planning to build a new driveway or revamp your existing one? The first question you need to ask is, “Which driveway is best suited for my home and the local climate conditions?” 

We spend so much time debating new car purchases and the interior decor of our homes but barely spare a thought about our driveways. 

This needs to change. A well-built driveway isn’t just aesthetically pleasing - it’s a valuable investment. Making the right choice regarding the material for driveway surfacing is critical. This can help you reduce the frequency of repairs, improve drainage, increase resistance against extreme weather conditions (heavy rainfall or snow), and improve accessibility for pedestrians and cars. Your driveway will be durable and long-lasting.

When choosing your driveway’s material, it’s important to consider both your present and future requirements. With time, the load and usage of your driveway will change. For instance, you might currently own one car, but in five years, you might choose to upsize it or add another. Therefore, picking a material that’ll accommodate your long-term plans is essential. 

In this article, we’ll discuss tar and chip driveways vs asphalt and help answer your questions. Let’s get started.

1. Cost

Tar and chip driveways in the UK are a popular option. This type of driveway is constructed by applying a coat of tar over a base layer and then applying stone chips while the tar is still hot. A roller is usually used to embed the chips into the tar. Asphalt driveway paving involves mixing aggregates (sand, stone and gravel) and bitumen and then pouring it over the driveway’s base.

When comparing the cost of a tar and chip driveway vs asphalt, the former is often seen to be more pocket-friendly. The installation cost of tar and chip surface dressing is significantly lower, as it can be applied on existing surfaces. However, although asphalt driveway resurfacing might appear costly initially, it lasts much longer than a tar and chip driveway, making it cost-effective in the long run.

2. Maintenance

When choosing a driveway, one important consideration is the frequency and cost of maintenance. Asphalt driveway paving is easy to maintain; you just regularly sweep the surface and seal any cracks or holes every three to five years. However, improper maintenance can lead to the formation of cracks, impacting the durability of the driveway. 

Tar and chip surface-dressed driveways require more maintenance than asphalt driveways. To prevent potholes and damage to car tyres, they should be resurfaced every two years, or the stone chips may come loose. 

3. Durability

When comparing a tar and chip driveway vs asphalt, the latter has better longevity. Asphalt driveway resurfacing lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 years and can better withstand heavy traffic and rough use. As your family grows (and your number of household cars), an asphalt driveway will prove to be more durable and strong.

Tar and chip driveways, in comparison, last anywhere from 7 to 15 years. However, their proper maintenance increases their longevity. Tar and chip driveways often can’t withstand the weight of heavy vehicles and rough usage, while asphalt driveways can support large vehicles much more easily.  

4. Local Climate Endurance

When choosing between a tar and chip driveway vs asphalt, you must consider the local weather conditions. If your area experiences sweltering summers and freezing winters, asphalt surface dressing is a wiser choice. It’s resistant to extreme temperature variations. Tar and chip surfaces are more suited for temperate climate conditions. Extreme weather conditions can lead to the formation of cracks. 

Both tar and chip and asphalt are permeable, making them ideal for the UK weather. Both materials allow water to seep through their surfaces and prevent flooding of the driveway and nearby areas. 

However, tar chip offers faster drainage than asphalt, as the gravel used in asphalt makes it more porous compared to asphalt, which is slightly denser.

5. Eco-Friendliness

Many homeowners nowadays prefer to adopt sustainable practices when constructing their houses. While you might be more conscious of what goes on inside your home and how best to ensure higher EPC ratings, you often forget about the exterior of your property. If you’re wondering what’s more environmentally friendly material, tar and chip driveway vs asphalt, we’ve got the answer.

Asphalt is derived from petroleum-based products and has an energy-intensive manufacturing process. Tar and stone chips can be easily recycled, unlike asphalt, which needs to be appropriately disposed of or can lead to extreme water and soil pollution. 

During the installation process, tar and chip driveways produce less wastage than asphalt. Tar and chip driveways also absorb more heat in the summer, keeping your home cooler than with asphalt.

Choose LSL Surfacing For All Your Surfacing Needs

Over the last quarter of a century, LSL Surfacing has helped residential and commercial property owners pave their driveways. We offer a variety of driveway surfacing solutions, from tar and chip to asphalt, concrete and tarmac surfacing. If you have any queries regarding tar and chip driveway vs asphalt, our experts are happy to help. 

By working together, we can offer you aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective driveway paving solutions. As a family-owned business, we always prioritise customer satisfaction and quality workmanship. 

At LSL Surfacing, we offer driveway surface dressing solutions in Bedfordshire, Suffolk and Hertfordshire. 

Call us on 01223 420369 or 07522 830636 for more information.