How Tar & Chip Provides Excellent Traction in All Seasons

When it comes to driveway surfacing, homeowners often look for a material that offers reliability, durability, and safe usability throughout the year. Tar and chip—also known as chip seal—has long been valued for its strong grip and resilient performance in all weather conditions. For properties in Godalming, Surrey, where seasonal changes bring everything from frost to heavy rain, tar and chip provides a particularly effective solution.

Here’s why this surface delivers excellent traction no matter the season.

The Natural Texture Offers Built-In Grip

A key reason tar and chip performs so well is the distinctive surface texture created during installation.

Stone Chips Create a Rough, Non-Slip Finish

Unlike smoother surfaces, the embedded stones offer natural friction underfoot and under tyres. This makes the driveway safer and more reliable throughout the year.

Better Performance on Inclines

For homes with sloped driveways, the added traction helps prevent slipping and enables more controlled movement during wet or cold conditions.

Performs Exceptionally Well in Wet Weather

Rainfall can make many driveway surfaces slick, but tar and chip maintains grip even when wet.

Water Disperses Easily

The slightly uneven surface helps water move away quickly rather than forming a smooth film, reducing the risk of skidding.

More Confident Footing

Whether walking to the car or unloading shopping in the rain, the improved surface friction supports safer everyday use.

Strong and Reliable During Frost and Ice

Wintry conditions are where tar and chip truly excels compared to many smoother alternatives.

Rough Surface Helps Break Ice Bonds

Its textured structure disrupts icy layers, meaning the surface often becomes safer more quickly once temperatures rise.

Less Likely to Become Slippery

Even when frost settles, the aggregate chips maintain points of contact that reduce the slipperiness commonly found on smoother surfaces.

Consistent Traction in Hot Weather Too

Hot days can soften some driveway materials, but tar and chip remains stable.

Stones Maintain Grip

The embedded stones continue providing friction, ensuring the surface performs similarly in both warm and colder months.

Reduced Softening

Quality installation ensures the tar component remains firm even during prolonged warm periods.

Flexible Enough to Handle Seasonal Movement

Temperature changes cause natural expansion and contraction across most outdoor surfaces.

Tar & Chip Adapts Well

Its layered structure can flex slightly without cracking, helping preserve the traction and integrity of the surface through seasonal changes.

Long-Term Stability

By reducing the likelihood of cracks or surface separation, the driveway maintains its safe, grippy texture for many years.

Ideal for Both Vehicles and Foot Traffic

Tar and chip offers excellent traction for everyday household use.

Tyre Grip During Acceleration and Braking

The textured finish supports controlled vehicle movement in all weather.

Safer Underfoot for Pedestrians

Children, older adults, and visitors benefit from the additional stability provided by the natural stone texture.

Conclusion

Tar and chip driveways are well-known for their exceptional all-season traction, making them a practical and dependable choice for homeowners who value safety and reliability. The natural grip of the stone chips, combined with weather-resistant performance, ensures the surface remains stable throughout rain, frost, ice, and heat.

For homeowners in Godalming, Surrey, NS Driveways Godalming offers expert tar and chip installations tailored to each property. If you’re considering a driveway surface that provides year-round confidence and long-lasting durability, contact us today to arrange a consultation.

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