Essential Tar and Chip Maintenance Tools Every Property Owner Needs to Keep Their Surface Looking Great

Tar and chip driveways and surfaces are an excellent choice for property owners seeking durability and affordability, but proper maintenance requires having the right tools on hand. While tar and chip surfaces can last around seven years or more on average, having essential maintenance equipment readily available can help extend their lifespan and keep them looking their best.

Basic Hand Tools for Regular Maintenance

Every property owner with a tar and chip surface should maintain a basic toolkit for routine upkeep. A small gardening tool is essential for removing weeds by hand without damaging the surface. Additionally, property owners should frequently sweep loose stones away to prevent potential damage to vehicles and maintain a clean appearance.

A quality push broom or stiff-bristled brush is indispensable for regular cleaning. Stones can become loose over time, and drivers can easily launch these loose rocks into windshields and vehicle exteriors. Regular sweeping helps mitigate this risk and keeps your surface safe for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Pressure Washing Equipment

A pressure washer is one of the most valuable tools for tar and chip maintenance. When pressure washing your tar and chip driveway, steer clear of strong chemicals as these may harm the sealant and reduce the driveway’s longevity – instead, trust that water alone will do the job. For oil or gasoline spills, use a pressure washer right away, as acting quickly prevents these substances from breaking down the tar binder and causing long-term damage.

For property owners in areas like Wilson County, Tennessee, where tar and chip paving vine services are popular, regular pressure washing is particularly important. It’s wise to have your tar and chip surface washed regularly—perhaps as little as every few years, but depending on the amount of traffic your surface sees, perhaps as often as every year or so, to make sure that oil stains are removed before they cause serious damage.

Professional-Grade Equipment for DIY Enthusiasts

Property owners considering more extensive maintenance or repairs should be aware of the specialized equipment involved. At a minimum, you’ll need an asphalt distributor, chip spreader, and roller for any major tar and chip work. However, you’ll need to know how to operate this machinery, and most professional contractors have their own equipment that allows them to perform the work day in and day out, as they are experts at operating the equipment.

The R-1 is a tow behind aggregate spreader that is ideal for tar and chip operations on roadways, distributing aggregate to precise depths with clean cut edges and featuring an open type spiral agitator to convey material to outer ends of hopper. For larger projects, STRATOS Chip Sealing Distributors are designed for spraying asphalt emulsion products prior to the application of stone chips, with diesel heated asphalt distributor tanks ideal for spraying various lower temperature products.

Repair and Patching Tools

When repairs become necessary, having the right materials and tools is crucial. Unlike blacktop cracks that require frequent attention, cracks in tar and chip surfaces are largely self-healing, but there may still be times when you need to perform maintenance on larger cracks or potholes – in these cases, it’s important that you use new, clean stones, as liquid asphalt struggles to cling to old, dirty, or dusty chips.

Weed Control Equipment

Weed management is a critical aspect of tar and chip maintenance. Weeds are a common problem with tar and chip driveways, as they can grow between the gravel and cause unevenness or damage – to prevent weeds, apply a weed killer or weed-prevention product to the surface once or twice a year. A quality sprayer for herbicide application and hand weeding tools are essential components of your maintenance arsenal.

Working with Professional Services

While having basic maintenance tools is important, property owners should recognize when professional help is needed. Companies like Tristar Paving, a trusted family-owned business in Wilson County, TN with over 50 years of paving experience, provide expert services for both residential and commercial properties in Nashville, TN, with their team taking pride in delivering high-quality work with a focus on customer satisfaction.

Whether it’s a new driveway, parking lot, or tar & chip paving, they handle it all, and tar and chip driveways can last up to 15-20 years with proper maintenance, making it a long-lasting and cost-effective solution that is low-maintenance and does not require sealing.

Storage and Organization

Proper tool storage is essential for maintaining your equipment and ensuring it’s ready when needed. Keep your maintenance tools organized in a weatherproof storage area, and regularly inspect them for wear and damage. To embark on a DIY tar-and-chip project, gather high-quality tar, stone chips, an applicator, and a compactor, with proper storage and maintenance of these materials being crucial for success.

Having the right maintenance tools readily available ensures that your tar and chip surface will provide years of reliable service. While basic tools can handle routine maintenance, don’t hesitate to consult with professional contractors for major repairs or when specialized equipment is required. With proper care and the right tools, your tar and chip surface will continue to provide excellent value and performance for many years to come.