Tar & Chip Installation Process

Tar & Chip Installation Process

Installing a Tar & Chip driveway requires proper preparation, precise application, and skilled craftsmanship.

K&N Construction ensures a high-quality installation that will result in your property’s durable, visually appealing, and long-lasting driving surface. If you’re considering a tar & chip driveway, consult the K&N experts to benefit from their experience, professionalism, and commitment to delivering exceptional results. Enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, cost-effective, and low-maintenance driving surface, that tar & chip provides.

The Tar & Chip Process

Surface Preparation

Surface preparation is key to a flawless finish—we clear, grade, and prime the area for optimal adhesion and longevity. Before any paving begins, the area must be properly prepared.

Liquid Asphalt Application

Once the base is properly prepared and compacted, a hot liquid asphalt binder is applied. This binder is the key to holding the stone chips in place and creating a strong, resilient surface.

Spread the Aggregate

With the asphalt binder still hot and sticky, the next step is to spread a layer of aggregate chips. The stone chips serve as the protective and durable top layer for the chip seal surface.

Compact the Materials

Once the stone chips are applied, they need to be embedded into the asphalt binder. This is achieved through a process of rolling and compacting with specialized machinery, such as pneumatic or steel drum rollers

Sweep Excess Aggregate

After the rolling and compaction process, there will likely be some loose stone chips that didn’t fully adhere to the asphalt binder. These loose chips are swept away to create a clean, finished surface.

Post-Installation Care

A final inspection ensures that the chip seal surface is smooth, properly compacted, and free of any defects. The area may be closed to traffic for a short period to allow the binder to fully set and the stones to properly embed into the surface.