Tar and Chip

Tar and Chip

Total Protection frequently installs a surface dressing what is commonly known as ‘Tar and Chip’ to pathways, private or commercial driveways, private or commercial roads, forecourts, carparks, and upon other suitable surfaces.

It is an affordable, low maintenance paving solution with many benefits, cost being a major factor.

Even though Tar and Chip can cost less, it also has many benefits over other surfacing options. The fact that it is low-maintenance is probably the one most often cited.

While the system looks like loose gravel, it is actually a layer of coloured chip stone pressed into hot liquid tar with an amount of aggregates also left upon the surface.

Inevitably the loose stone ends up here and there on the surface, but the underlying chip is embedded, stable and sturdy.

It never needs to be sealed or cleaned and hides oil stains fairly well and only needs to be resurfaced approximately every 5-10 years depending on usage.

The bitumen cures and can be used by vehicles within an hour of application and can cover either Tarmac or concrete surfaces.

However, for improved aesthetics and longevity of the system, the substrate does need to be of a certain specification and quality.

Tar and chip surfacing is also known as ‘spray tar and chippings’, ‘chip and seal’, ‘seal chip’ or ‘liquid asphalt and stone’.

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, London and the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich, London.

Key Benefits

  • Low Maintenance
  • Low cost
  • Fast installation – can be driven on within an hour of application
  • Natural looking
  • Durable – can cope with heavy use or large vehicles
  • Can be installed over existing driveways
  • Rough surface provides more grip than a smooth macadam surface when wet. Even when it is covered with snow it will give more traction than a smooth surface. This makes it a better choice for the elderly, or those who feel less sure of their footing, especially in winter.
  • Firm solid surface with the appearance of loose gravel