Are Tar & Chip Surfaces Safe for Children and Pets?

When choosing a driveway surface for your home, it’s crucial to consider both aesthetics and safety. A popular option for driveways is the tar and chip surface, which is often favoured for its affordability, durability, and attractive appearance. However, if you have young children or pets, you might be wondering whether this type of surface is safe for them to walk or play on.

At NS Driveways Banstead, we understand that safety is a top priority for homeowners, especially when it comes to choosing a surface that will be used frequently by family members and pets. In this blog post, we’ll explore the safety aspects of tar and chip driveways and help you make an informed decision about whether this surface is right for your home.

What is a Tar & Chip Surface?

Tar and chip driveways are created by applying a layer of hot tar to a prepared surface, followed by a layer of loose aggregate chips. The chips are then compacted into the tar, creating a durable surface. The result is a textured, stone-like finish that can be customised with different types of stone for a unique look.

• Affordable and durable: Tar and chip driveways offer a cost-effective solution while providing a robust and long-lasting surface.
  
• Variety of finishes: Available in a range of colours and stone types, tar and chip surfaces can be tailored to complement the appearance of your property.
  

1. Is Tar & Chip Safe for Children?

Safety is a top concern for families with children, especially when it comes to outdoor spaces. Here’s why tar and chip surfaces can be safe for children when installed and maintained correctly:

a. Non-slip Surface

One of the key safety features of tar and chip driveways is their non-slip nature. The loose chips create a textured surface that offers more traction than smoother surfaces like tarmac or concrete. This can help prevent slips and falls, particularly during wet weather.

• Traction for running and playing: The rough texture helps prevent accidents when children are running, playing, or riding bikes or scooters on the driveway.
  
• Reduced risk of slips: Unlike smooth surfaces, the chips create friction that can help to reduce the likelihood of slipping, making it safer for children to move around.
  

b. Smooth Edges

If the installation is done correctly, a tar and chip driveway will have smooth edges that won’t pose a risk to children. However, if the edges are not properly finished, they can be sharp and hazardous. Therefore, it’s important to work with an experienced installer to ensure a safe finish.

• Well-edged surface: Ensure that your driveway is installed with proper edging to prevent jagged stones from protruding, reducing the risk of injury.
  
• Regular maintenance: Keep an eye on the condition of the driveway to ensure that any loose chips or sharp edges are dealt with promptly.
  

2. Is Tar & Chip Safe for Pets?

When it comes to pets, especially dogs, tar and chip surfaces can also be a safe and functional choice. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

a. Comfort for Pets

Unlike hard concrete or brick, tar and chip surfaces offer a softer texture for pets to walk on, which is more comfortable for their paws. The rough surface helps to provide grip, preventing slipping as pets run or walk.

• Gripping surface: The texture helps pets maintain traction, especially during wet or slippery weather conditions, preventing falls.
  
• Paw-friendly: The surface is less harsh on the paws than solid, hard surfaces, making it more comfortable for your pets to walk and play.
  

b. Temperature Considerations

One thing to be aware of with tar and chip driveways is that, like other asphalt-based surfaces, they can get quite hot in the summer. Prolonged exposure to hot surfaces can potentially cause discomfort or injury to your pet’s paws, especially during peak sunlight hours.

• Heat-sensitive: During hot weather, tar and chip driveways can absorb heat, which can make the surface too hot for pets. It’s important to be mindful of this during summer months.
  
• Limit outdoor time: On especially hot days, limit your pet’s time on the driveway or provide shaded areas for them to rest in.
  

3. Are There Any Other Safety Concerns?

While tar and chip surfaces are generally safe for children and pets, there are a few other factors to consider:

a. Loose Chips

Over time, the aggregate chips can become loose, which may pose a slight tripping hazard. Regular maintenance and re-compaction of the surface are necessary to keep the chips secure and prevent them from shifting.

• Regular maintenance: Have the driveway checked periodically to ensure that the chips are still tightly compacted into the tar. Loose chips can cause tripping hazards or create a mess around the yard.
  
• Reapplication of surface: If the chips begin to loosen, you can have the surface refreshed by applying new layers of aggregate and tar.
  

b. Environmental Impact

Tar and chip driveways are a more sustainable option compared to some other materials, as they use natural stone aggregates. However, like any surface, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to prevent moss, weeds, or algae from forming on the surface.

• Eco-friendly: The material is generally environmentally friendly, especially if you choose recycled stone for the surface.
  
• Prevent growth: Ensure the driveway is kept clean to avoid the growth of moss or weeds, which could create slippery spots that could pose a risk to children and pets.
  

Conclusion

Tar and chip surfaces are a practical, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing choice for your driveway. When properly installed and maintained, they provide a safe and comfortable surface for both children and pets. The non-slip nature of the surface, combined with its durability, makes it a great option for homes where safety is a priority.

However, it’s essential to consider the temperature of the surface in hot weather and to ensure that the driveway is regularly maintained to avoid loose chips or sharp edges.

At NS Driveways Banstead, we specialise in installing high-quality tar and chip driveways that are safe, durable, and long-lasting. If you’re looking to install or maintain a tar and chip driveway for your home, get in touch with us today. Our expert team will ensure that your driveway is both beautiful and safe for your family and pets.

Contact us now to book a consultation and let us help you choose the best surface for your home.

Call us on: 01737 926 997
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