Does anyone have experience with Tar and Chip driveways?

Question

We are considering a macadam driveway (tar and chip); how does it perform in Northeastern weather? I have been told by local pavers that the driveway will crack and chip within 3 years due to the extreme weather (we are on Long Island).

Answer 1

Hi...........This is only my opinion.....don't know what you are talking about, buttttttt.....I have been a builder for more years than you are old.......and you will never beat concrete....but I do not know the cost in your area.........We are 100 a yd. thats dollars.......but you can color it......expose the rocks or just plain broom it........have rows of stone or brick in it...for exspansion joints, for my money it's the best.......just be sure that you slope it away from your home and have drainage available in case of snow and rain storms. We also use blacktop on here but I don't like it.......put some steel in the concrete or 6x6 no. 10 wire mesh in so that if it cracks it will not change elevations. good luck and hope this helps.

Answer 2

Well the city where I live does this for the streets.I am in Colorado and it is a cheap overlay for them.There are drawbacks and if not done correctly a waste of money.

I am a wall/flatwork contractor and you will get the biggest bang for your buck with concrete.There are of course quality measures to take into account for a long lasting drive.It was mentioned about color.Integral color can,will,does fade,I avoid at all costs.A cheaper alternative would be acid staining,it does not fade as bad and a bunch cheaper.

There are simply to many ways to give a owner a unique drive that is somewhat inexpensive.I have included a link to a fun site,some good ideas.

My Best