If you’re seeking a paving solution that offers natural beauty, dependable performance, and great value for money, chip and tar surfacing may be the perfect fit for your home in County Mayo. At Ballina Tarmacadam Contractors, we provide expert chip and tar services for driveways, private roads, rural lanes, and small estate roads throughout Castlebar, Ballina, Westport, and surrounding areas.
This traditional paving method is known for its rustic finish, weather resistance, and budget-friendly appeal—making it particularly popular across rural and residential parts of Mayo where gravel is too loose and tarmac may look too modern.
Chip and tar is a surfacing method that involves spraying hot bitumen (tar) onto a prepared base, immediately followed by a layer of clean stone chips. These chips are then rolled into the surface with a heavy roller, embedding them into the tar to create a textured, bonded surface. Over time, as the surface settles and wears naturally, it develops a character and patina that many Mayo homeowners find more attractive than a plain asphalt finish.
Unlike loose gravel driveways, chip and tar doesn’t shift under tyres, reducing ruts, potholes, and ongoing maintenance. It also offers better traction during wet or icy conditions compared to smooth asphalt or concrete, which is a huge advantage in Ireland’s climate.
Our chip and tar installations are carried out with attention to every detail:
Base Preparation: A stable foundation is essential. We begin by grading, levelling, and compacting a sub-base of crushed stone or existing surface. If necessary, we install proper drainage to prevent water pooling or erosion over time.
Application of Hot Bitumen: Using professional sprayers, we apply a layer of hot liquid bitumen evenly across the entire area. This acts as the bonding agent for the surface.
Stone Chip Spreading: While the bitumen is still hot, we immediately spread your selected stone chips evenly over the surface. The chip material can be chosen to match your landscape and home — options include granite, limestone, or decorative coloured aggregates.
Rolling & Compaction: A heavy roller presses the chips firmly into the bitumen, ensuring they adhere properly and the surface is even and compact. This step is crucial for both appearance and durability.
Finishing Touches: We sweep away excess loose chips, finish the edging neatly, and ensure the site is clean and tidy. Your new surface is ready to use within 24–48 hours.
We recommend chip and tar surfacing for:
Homeowners in Co. Mayo often want their driveway to reflect the surroundings. That’s why we offer a range of chip types and colours, including local stone that blends with the landscape or more decorative options for a refined finish. The natural texture can also soften the look of modern homes or provide the perfect complement to traditional cottages and stone farmhouses.
A chip and tar surface, when installed properly, can last 10–15 years or more with minimal upkeep. It’s resistant to cracking because it flexes slightly with temperature changes. If repairs are needed, the process is straightforward and cost-effective. Occasional sweeping and periodic top-dressing can keep your surface looking great without major investment.
And because chip and tar uses less bitumen than full-depth tarmac and often incorporates locally sourced materials, it is considered a more environmentally friendly surfacing option.
At Ballina Tarmacadam Contractors, we combine modern techniques with local expertise to deliver reliable, high-quality chip and tar surfacing. We’ve earned the trust of homeowners throughout Co. Mayo through our focus on craftsmanship, punctuality, and honest pricing. We never cut corners, and we stand behind every job with a satisfaction guarantee.
We are fully insured, equipped with the right machinery, and knowledgeable about ground conditions and weather patterns throughout the region. From soft bogland driveways near Bangor Erris to steep rural access roads in the hills outside Westport — we’ve paved them all.
Whether you’re paving a new surface or restoring an old one, we’re ready to help. Reach out today to schedule a free on-site assessment and receive a transparent, no-obligation quote. We’ll help you decide if chip and tar is right for your property and offer expert advice tailored to your needs.