About Sarah Leech Expertise Our family asphalt business has been proudly installing and sealcoating driveways and commercial parking lots for over 40 years. I welcome any and all questions about the asphalt sealcoating and/or asphalt paving of your driveway and/or parking lot. How to's for do it yourself sealcoaters, professional advice for your commercial parking lots, what products and tools to use; and what not to use. Tips, tricks and general useful knowledge in an area where most people don't know where to look for help!
Experience I grew up in the family business of asphalt paving. For 11 years I was the VP of the family asphalt business and now at 34, I own my own company, ASAP Asphalt Sealing And Paving Co. Currently, ASAP Asphalt is one of the largest asphalt sealcoating companies in Western PA!
Organizations Peters Township Chamber of Commerce
Building Trades Association
Education/Credentials Graduated from Peters Township High School 1992
BA in Psychology from Slippery Rock University 1997
National Pavement Expo Convention 2006
Awards and Honors Member of Manchester Who's Who
Past/Present Clients Babies-R-Us
The Home Depot,
Liberty Mutual,
Consol Development,
PNC Bank,
Kohl's,
Sheraton,
Red Roof Inn,
Michael's,
Question QUESTION: I live in Southwest Florida. Our driveway is about 100' by 16' of what I'll call 1/2 inch river rock (it could be "chat"). The driveway is at least twenty years old and was significantly degraded by heavy equipment in the months after hurricane Charley tore up our neighborhood in 2004. The current price of this stone is about $90 a yard and, in my estimation, would take at least 20 yards to bring it back up to new looking. Even then, however, due to the roundness of the stone, each time a vehicle traveled over it ruts would result. And, of course, weeds would grow through. We were wondering whether a "tar and chip" asphalt drive where the stones show through would be possible without major work involving scraping out all the existing material. I would think that all the stone that has been ground into the earth under the current drive would be a good base. Any idea on whether such a drive would hold up to UPS trucks and the like and what it might cost a square foot? IMAGE: Photo of gravel drive
ANSWER: Hi Dave,
A tar and chip driveway is a great alternative to asphalt paving and/or gravel alone. It would definitely hold up to the UPS trucks, etc.
What I don't know is what the cost should be per square foot. If it's one thing I learned in all my training/seminars--it's that prices for all paving materials vary greatly in different parts of the country.
My suggestion is to get a couple of bids and compare and contrast them. Make sure that you are comfortable with your contractor and that he presents you with a warranty--up front, and insurance also.
You shouldn't have to take out any of the material on your driveway now, as a good base has been established.
If I were you, I would also consider the cost of actually doing asphalt, as there may not be that much of a price difference.
Good luck Dave and if through the process of finding a contractor, you have any more questions--please don't hesitate to ask.
Sarah Leech
ASAP Asphalt Sealing And Paving Co.
"We're Kickin' Asphalt!"
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QUESTION: Wow - thanks for your instant response! I thought 'tar and chip' WAS ashpalt with stones embedded into the top of it. It's the look of the stones that we like vs just the blacktop. Our yard, on a golf course, is lush and we wanted to keep the driveway looking as natural as possible. Could you explain the differences between tar and chip and ashphalt?
Answer Sure Dave!
Tar and Chip: Its a 3 step process. 1. A layer of hot tar is sprayed onto the driveway. 2. A layer of aggregate is installed over the tar and 3. The aggregate is rolled into the tar, to adhere it together. Sometimes, depending on the situation, the process is repeated, creating a double layer of tar and chip. Maintenance is minimal, and you may still have some grass grow up through (nothing that weedkiller won't handle# and no sealcoating is necessary.
Asphalt: Asphalt is a mixture of tar and aggregate. But, it's premixed and heated in the asphalt plant before it's installed. The aggregate is completely encapsulated into the tar and when installed is completely black. The aggregate in asphalt is also larger than the aggregate that's used in the tar and chip. People like the asphalt because it's a clean, finished look, but it does require some maintenance--as you should sealcoat your asphalt driveway #especially in Southwest Florida) once a year. Pittsburgh is our home, but we also have a house in Southwest Florida and I see how brutal the sun is!
If you are looking for that natural look, then tar and chip is the way to go for you. Ask you contractor to give you a couple of driveways that's he's done to drive by before making your decision--that way you will know what to expect when the job is completed.
I commend you for wanting the natural look--it's people like you that we drive by their houses and say--what great curb appeal!
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