Get matched with top driveway sealcoating pros in Baker, MT

Though they may look similar, tar and bitumen come from different sources. Bitumen is a petroleum product—extracted during crude oil refining—and is mostly made up of hydrocarbons. Tar comes from burning down organic materials like coal or wood. Bitumen is strictly oil-based, while tar is a mix of compounds from natural sources. Both are used as binders in paving; however, bitumen is the standard for today’s asphalt. Tar use has mostly faded out of road construction.

Chip seal roads and driveways are slightly more expensive than gravel, but significantly more affordable than traditional asphalt. Chip seal works wonders when used as a top coat. Its lighter color is less heat-absorbant than black asphalt. It also renews your aging, deteriorating asphalt without having to spend on major repairs or redoing the entire driveway.

Regular maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs and early replacement. Clean the driveway surface with a stiff brush and water at least twice yearly, and remove any weeds that try to take root. Additionally, every two to five years, apply a sealcoat—this protects the driveway against damaging UV rays and keeps it looking like new.

To maintain their strength, asphalt driveways and parking lots need to be sealcoated once every two to five years. You may also need to reapply paint striping every few years as it fades to ensure drivers can safely navigate the parking lot.