TAR & CHIP CARE & MAINTENANCE

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NEW TAR & CHIP CARE TIPS

• Drive Slowly During the Bonding Period
      Your surface can be driven on immediately, however the tar and stone need      time to fully bond together. For the first 2–3 months, drive slowly      and avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, or sharp turning movements. 
• Vary Driving Paths
      Driving on different areas of the roadway helps evenly seat the stone into      the tar during the curing process. 
• Avoid Power Steering Damage
      Do not sit still and turn your steering wheel on vehicles, riding mowers,      ATVs/UTVs, or trailers. This can cause scuffing, ruts, or surface      displacement. 
• Protect Against Surface Impressions
      Motorcycle kickstands, trailer jacks, ladders, grills, and other narrow or      sharp objects can penetrate the surface. Use protective pads or wood      blocks under concentrated weight areas. 
• Support Heavy Loads
      Place wood blocks beneath RVs, boats, campers, trailers, and other heavy      equipment to distribute weight evenly and prevent indentations. 
• Protect the Edges
      Avoid driving off the edges of the roadway until they are properly      supported. We recommend backfilling edges with topsoil, stone, or grass      flush with the surface as soon as possible to prevent cracking or edge      breakage. 
• No Spinning Tires or Donuts
      Spinning tires on cars, ATVs, UTVs, bicycles, or lawn equipment can damage      the surface and dislodge stone. 

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

• Keep the Surface Clean
      Remove leaves, debris, dirt, and grass clippings regularly. Organic      material left on the surface can trap moisture and encourage weed growth. 
• Loose Stones Are Normal
      Some loose stone is expected during the first several months. Depending on      traffic levels, it may take 6–12 months for the surface to fully      tighten. After that time, loose stone can be lightly swept or power      broomed if desired. 
• Weed Control
      Occasional weeds may appear, especially in newer applications or thinner      areas. Weed killer or hand-pulling by the root is recommended. Additional      chipseal layers reduce the likelihood of future weed growth. 
• Snow & Ice Removal
      Use a rubber-edged shovel or plow whenever possible. If plowing with a      vehicle, keep the blade approximately 1 inch above the surface to      prevent stone displacement. Anti-skid products are acceptable and often      unnecessary due to the naturally high-traction surface. 
• Avoid Salt Products
      Salt can deteriorate the tar binder over time and is not recommended for      tar & chip surfaces.