If your driveway is showing signs of wear and tear, you may be considering replacing it. Many homeowners choose between tar and asphalt, but some are interested in tar-and-chip driveways. These driveways can be cheap to install, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.

However, while tar-and-chip paving works great in some contexts, it doesn’t usually make sense for home driveways. Tar-and-chip driveways have several disadvantages that you should be aware of, so you may be better off with a different material.

A tar-and-chip driveway is inexpensive to install and costs next-to-nothing to maintain. Tar-and-chip doesn’t always last as long as some other surfaces. But even so, over a lifespan of approximately ten years, it’s an economical choice.

Tar-and-chip paving can work great for roads that see a lot of use. The weight of the vehicles on the pavement pushes the stones in the material down, forming a smoother surface. However, since your driveway probably doesn’t see heavy use, the stones in the tar can become loose and even pop free.