Chip Seal (Tar & Chip) in Springfield, Ohio
Serving Springfield, Columbus, Dayton and surrounding areas
Chip seal—also known as tar and chip—is a durable, cost-effective surface treatment that can be installed over existing asphalt or properly prepared gravel. Ameripave Blacktopping provides professional chip seal services throughout Central Ohio, using a two-layer chip seal process for improved longevity, coverage, and performance.
Chip seal is an excellent option for long driveways, private roads, farm lanes, and low-to-moderate traffic areas where traditional asphalt may not be the best fit.
What Is Chip Seal (Tar & Chip)?
Chip seal is a pavement surfacing method that consists of:
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A sprayed asphalt emulsion
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A layer of clean, graded aggregate (stone)
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Rolling to embed the stone into the binder
When installed correctly, chip seal creates a sealed, textured surface that protects the base while improving traction and durability.
Unlike asphalt paving, chip seal is designed as a practical, long-term surface solution, not just a cosmetic upgrade.
Chip Seal Over Asphalt and Gravel
Ameripave installs chip seal over:
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Existing Asphalt
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Aged or oxidized pavement
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Light cracking with a solid base
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Roads or drives needing protection, not replacement
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Properly Prepared Gravel
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Well-compacted gravel bases
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Regraded and shaped surfaces
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Correct crown and drainage
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When applied over gravel, chip seal creates a bound, sealed surface that significantly reduces dust, washboarding, and ongoing maintenance compared to loose stone.
The key is preparation — chip seal only performs as intended when the base is stable and properly graded.
Our Two-Layer (Double Chip) Process
Not all chip seal is the same. We perform every chip seal project using a two-layer application, which provides better coverage and longer service life than a single pass.
Our process includes:
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Base evaluation and surface preparation
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First application of asphalt emulsion and aggregate
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Rolling to properly seat the stone
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Second application of emulsion and aggregate
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Final rolling and cleanup
The second layer:
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Fills voids left by the first pass
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Improves stone retention
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Creates a more uniform, durable surface
This approach costs slightly more than a single-layer chip seal — but it performs better and lasts longer.
When Chip Seal Is the Right Choice
Chip seal is ideal when:
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The base is structurally sound
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Budget is a concern
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Long stretches of pavement are involved
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A textured, non-slip surface is acceptable
Common applications include:
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Long residential driveways
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Private roads and lanes
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Farm and agricultural access roads
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Commercial driveways and yards
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HOA and municipal roadways
If your pavement has major failures or drainage problems, we’ll recommend resurfacing or replacement instead.
Benefits of Chip Seal
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More affordable than asphalt paving
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Can be applied over asphalt or gravel
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Extends the life of the underlying base
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Improves traction and skid resistance
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Reduces dust and maintenance on gravel roads
Chip seal is a functional, proven solution when installed correctly and in the right application.
Chip Seal vs Asphalt Resurfacing
Chip Seal (Tar & Chip)
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Surface treatment
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Textured finish
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Lower cost
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Ideal for low-to-moderate traffic
Asphalt Resurfacing
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New asphalt layer
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Smooth finish
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Higher cost
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Ideal for higher traffic and commercial areas
We help you choose the option that actually makes sense for your property.
Why Choose Ameripave Blacktopping?
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Experienced Central Ohio asphalt contractor
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Chip seal over asphalt and gravel
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Two-layer chip seal on every project
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Proper prep, clean aggregate, and correct timing
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Honest recommendations without upselling
We don’t cut corners — we build surfaces that last.
Service Areas
Ameripave Blacktopping proudly provides chip seal services throughout:
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Springfield, OH
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Columbus, OH
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Dayton, OH
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Clark County, Franklin County, Montgomery County, and surrounding Central Ohio communities
Request a Chip Seal Evaluation
Not sure if chip seal is right for your driveway or road?
Contact Ameripave Blacktopping for a free site evaluation and straightforward recommendation.
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