A tar and chip driveway is one of the most common types of driveways, especially in rural areas. Yet, not a lot of people know about it because it is not as widely talked about as asphalt and gravel driveways.
What exactly is a tar and chip driveway? Well, you can break down its components from its name – tar and chips.
Tar is a viscous or thick liquid, typically coloured black or dark brown, that is commonly used for roadmaking. Nowadays, however, liquid asphalt, also known as bitumen, is what’s used instead of tar.
Meanwhile, the chips refer to stone chips which are placed and compacted on top of the very hot tar. The stone chips are then steamrolled so it would completely adhere to the tar. The drying process takes around 48 hours.
Benefits of Having a Tar and Chip Driveway
One of the leading selling points of a tar and chip driveway is that it looks great. It does not look drab because the stone chips come in different colours. Hence, with this material, it is easy to build a driveway that complements a property’s design or one that is truly unique.
The most common options are black or different shades of brown or grey. Others also request for yellowish or reddish stone chips.
Aside from its pretty appearance, a tar and chip driveway is easy to maintain. What you mainly need to monitor are the loose or displaced stones which you would have to replace. It also has benefits for safety as its surface provides good traction.
In terms of cost, this type of driveway is also quite affordable. Tar and chip is priced lower than other types of materials, particularly concrete, asphalt, and pavers.
Factors that Affect Tar and Chip Driveway Cost
How much would it cost to have a tar and chip driveway? Well, there are several things that can affect your overall spend.
The factors that have the most impact on the price are the materials and the size of your driveway.
The type of stone chips you use is what significantly affects the cost of materials. For example, rare-coloured stone chips are more expensive than the widely available ones like black and grey.
In terms of your driveway’s size, the bigger it is, the higher your total cost would be. Currently, the average price of a tar and chip driveway is around €25 per square meter.
Keep in mind:
Your driveway’s size affects both the cost of materials and the cost of labour. This is because the amount of work required and the amount of materials needed are directly proportional to the size of your driveway.
Here’s the thing:
To know exactly how much you’re going to spend on this kind of driveway, you have to know the cost of materials, the dimension of your driveway and the labour fees, amongst others. You won’t be able to come up with an accurate figure if you do not have the data needed.
But you do not have to go through the hassle of gathering these pieces of information. You can just call a reputable driveway paving company and request for a quotation.
In conclusion, if you wish to reduce your expenses, one good way to do it is to choose a cheaper kind of stone chips.
Please do not go the DIY route or pick an inexperienced company just to cut down on cost. Doing these things can cause you to spend more in the long run as you might end up with a substandard driveway. With this kind of output, damages are going to be common which means you’d regularly be spending on maintenance and repair works.
If you want something that’s truly cost-efficient, then hire a trusted company for a durable and excellent-looking tar and chip driveway.
Are you thinking of getting a tar and chip driveway? Let us do the job – New Style Driveways, the preferred company of many Irish homeowners! Please call us today on 0852139591 and talk to our specialist about our services.
