Hear from Our Customers
Your driveway becomes a durable surface that handles Tennessee weather without the premium price tag. You get excellent traction year-round, even in wet conditions, plus that natural stone appearance that actually improves your curb appeal.
The surface is ready to drive on immediately after installation. No waiting days for curing like concrete, no worrying about cracking like cheaper alternatives.
You’re investing in a solution that requires minimal maintenance for 7-10 years. No annual sealcoating. No constant repairs. Just a reliable surface that does its job.
We’ve been handling tar and chip installations across Wilson County and surrounding areas for over five decades. We’re veteran-owned, which means we understand the value of doing things right the first time.
Our team uses high-quality liquid asphalt and locally sourced stone, ensuring your driveway matches the natural character of Goodlettsville while standing up to everything from summer heat to winter freeze-thaw cycles.
With Goodlettsville’s growing population and rising property values, homeowners need contractors who understand both the local conditions and the investment they’re making in their homes.
First, we prepare your existing surface by cleaning and making any necessary repairs. The foundation needs to be solid because tar and chip builds on what’s already there.
Next comes the hot liquid asphalt application. This gets sprayed evenly across the prepared surface while it’s still hot enough to bond properly with the stone chips that follow.
The stone chips get spread immediately while the asphalt is tacky, then compacted with heavy rollers to create that textured, durable finish. The whole process typically takes just one day, and you can drive on it right away.
Ready to get started?
Tar and chip works especially well for Goodlettsville’s mix of suburban homes and rural properties. The textured surface provides superior traction on those hilly driveways common in the area, and the natural stone appearance complements both traditional and contemporary home styles.
With property values in Goodlettsville increasing 13.9% in just one year, smart homeowners are choosing cost-effective improvements that add value without breaking the budget. Tar and chip delivers curb appeal at roughly half the cost of concrete.
The process works over existing gravel driveways, making it ideal for properties transitioning from gravel to a more permanent surface. It also handles the temperature swings Tennessee sees better than many alternatives.
Tar and chip paving typically lasts 7-10 years in Tennessee’s climate conditions. With proper installation and a double layer application, you can extend that to 12-15 years.
The lifespan depends on several factors including traffic volume, weather exposure, and the quality of the installation. Tennessee’s freeze-thaw cycles and summer heat can affect any paving material, but tar and chip’s flexibility helps it handle these temperature changes better than rigid surfaces.
Regular inspection and addressing any loose stones promptly helps maximize the surface’s lifespan. Unlike asphalt that needs sealcoating every few years, tar and chip requires minimal ongoing maintenance.
Yes, we can install tar and chip over existing concrete, gravel, or unsealed asphalt driveways, provided the foundation is structurally sound. The existing surface needs to be stable without major cracks, settling, or structural damage.
For concrete bases, any cracks need to be filled and sealed first, and a bonding agent is used to ensure proper adhesion. Gravel driveways often make excellent bases after proper grading and compaction.
Asphalt driveways can work as a base if they’ve never been sealed and don’t have extensive cracking or rutting. A thorough evaluation determines whether your existing surface is suitable or if additional preparation work is needed.
Tar and chip paving costs 30-40% less than traditional asphalt installation. While asphalt typically runs $3-6 per square foot, tar and chip averages $2-5 per square foot depending on the specific stone selected and site conditions.
The cost advantage comes from the simpler installation process and the use of less processed materials. You’re getting a durable surface without paying for the hot-mix asphalt plant processing and the heavy machinery required for traditional asphalt installation.
Long-term maintenance costs are also lower since tar and chip doesn’t require regular sealcoating like asphalt does. This makes it particularly cost-effective over the surface’s 7-10 year lifespan.
The best stone chips for driveways are hard, angular stones that resist wear and provide good traction. Granite, limestone, and recycled asphalt chips are popular choices, each offering different colors and textures.
Stone size typically ranges from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch. Smaller chips create a smoother surface but may not provide as much traction, while larger chips offer excellent grip but create a rougher texture.
Color options include natural gray limestone, warm brown sandstone, and various granite shades. The choice often depends on your home’s exterior colors and personal preference. Locally sourced stone not only supports the regional economy but also tends to weather better in local climate conditions.
Tar and chip is actually excellent for steep driveways because the textured stone surface provides superior traction compared to smooth asphalt or concrete. This makes it safer for both vehicles and pedestrians, especially during wet or icy conditions.
The installation process can handle moderate slopes without issues. For very steep grades, additional considerations like proper drainage and potentially using larger stone chips for extra grip may be recommended.
Many rural and hilly properties choose tar and chip specifically for its traction benefits. The rough texture that some see as a drawback for flat surfaces becomes a significant safety advantage on sloped driveways.
The ideal time for tar and chip installation is during warm, dry weather when temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Hot weather actually helps because the liquid asphalt stays workable longer, allowing for better stone chip adhesion.
Spring through early fall typically provides the best installation conditions in Tennessee. Avoid installation during rainy periods or when frost is expected within 24 hours, as moisture can interfere with proper bonding.
The installation process is weather-dependent because the liquid asphalt needs to be hot when applied and the stone chips need to embed properly while it’s still tacky. We monitor weather conditions closely to ensure optimal results.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in Goodlettsville
