{"id":1922,"date":"2026-05-06T10:03:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:03:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/?page_id=1922"},"modified":"2026-06-04T16:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T16:10:11","slug":"tar-chip-vs-asphalt-lsl-surfacing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/?page_id=1922","title":{"rendered":"Tar & Chip vs Asphalt | LSL Surfacing"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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East & Greater Anglia<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t

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Monday \u2015 Saturday : 8:00 \u2015 17:00<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t

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07899 756 373<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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Get Quick Quote<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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LSL Surfacing<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Tarmacadam & Surface
Dressing Contractors<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t

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Residential Services<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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Commercial Services<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

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About Us
& Our Work<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Tar & Chip vs Asphalt<\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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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, \u201cWhich driveway is best suited for my home and the local climate conditions?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

We spend so much time debating new car purchases and the interior decor of our homes but barely spare a thought about our driveways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

This needs to change. A well-built driveway isn\u2019t just aesthetically pleasing – it\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>

When choosing your driveway\u2019s material, it\u2019s 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\u2019ll accommodate your long-term plans is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In this article, we\u2019ll discuss tar and chip driveways vs asphalt and help answer your questions. Let\u2019s get started.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Cost<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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\u2019s base.<\/span><\/p>

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.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Maintenance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

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. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Durability<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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.<\/span><\/p>

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\u2019t withstand the weight of heavy vehicles and rough usage, while asphalt driveways can support large vehicles much more easily. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Local Climate Endurance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

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.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Eco-Friendliness<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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\u2019re wondering what\u2019s more environmentally friendly material, tar and chip driveway vs asphalt, we\u2019ve got the answer.<\/span><\/p>

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

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.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Tell Us About Your Project<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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At LSL Surfacing, we have worked with clients on driveway projects for over 30 years. Our experienced and highly skilled team can answer all your driveway related questions, please get in touch today.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUseful Related Articles Overview<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Regional Offices<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Bedfordshire<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Cambridgeshire<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Hertfordshire<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Norfolk<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Suffolk<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Residential Services<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Asphalt & Tarmac Driveways<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Resin Driveways<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Tar & Chip Driveways<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Commercial Services<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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SDM Agricultural Asphalt & Tarmac Surfacing<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Road Surfacing & Repairs<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Car Park Surfacing<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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School & Playground Surfacing<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Footpaths, Pavements & Paths<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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About Us & Our Work<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who we are<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Our Work<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Useful Related Articles<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Head Office<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Wellington House, East Rd, Cambridge CB1 1BH<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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07899 756 373<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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ben@lslsurfacing.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Registered Address : Wellington House, East Rd, Cambridge, CB1 1BH<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Registered in the UK & Wales : 1065 6532<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Website : CAMBITION<\/span><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

East & Greater Anglia Monday \u2015 Saturday : 8:00 \u2015 17:00 07899 756 373 Get Quick Quote LSL Surfacing Tarmacadam & SurfaceDressing Contractors Residential Services Commercial Services About Us& Our Work Tar & Chip vs Asphalt Are you planning to build a new driveway or revamp your existing one? The first question you need to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_canvas","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1922","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1922","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1922"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1922\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4584,"href":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1922\/revisions\/4584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.lslsurfacing.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}