Best paving pros near Creighton, NE

Asphalt and tarmac are not the same thing. Traditional tarmac, short for tarmacadam, uses tar as a binder to hold crushed stone together. Asphalt uses bitumen—a byproduct of crude oil—to bind aggregate. Though tarmac was once a go-to for roads, asphalt has become the modern standard. And these days, most surfaces referred to as “tarmac” are actually asphalt. So, while the names may overlap, the key distinction lies in the binder—tar for tarmac and bitumen for asphalt.

An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To install a new asphalt driveway over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.

Many asphalt companies have experience with tar and chip paving, but not all. The process is unique enough—and not incredibly common enough—that you may have to look around for a tar and chip specialist. However, speaking with a driveway company is a great place to start, especially if they have experience with multiple materials.

The most obvious disadvantage of permeable paving is that the cost is typically higher compared to non-permeable concrete, pavers, or asphalt methods. Also, the porous material can get clogged with dirt and debris, requiring cleaning and power washing more frequently than standard paving materials and methods. Although permeable paving is not ideal for highways, airports, and other surfaces supporting heavy traffic and machinery, it is suitable for regular residential driveways.