How Tar & Chip Holds Up Under Extreme Weather Conditions

Built for the British Climate

In the ever-changing British weather, driveway materials must offer more than just visual appeal — they need to stand up to the elements, season after season. That’s where tar and chip surfacing (also known as chip seal) earns its stripes. From blistering summer heatwaves to sub-zero winter frosts, tar and chip is increasingly recognised for its durability in challenging conditions.

At Haddenham Driveways, we’ve installed tar and chip driveways throughout Haddenham and Cambridgeshire, and we’ve seen firsthand how well this surface performs across varied and often unpredictable weather patterns. But what makes it such a solid choice for extreme weather? Let’s break it down.

What Is Tar and Chip?

Tar and chip is a layered surface made by spraying hot liquid bitumen (tar) onto a prepared base and then embedding stone chippings into it. Once compacted, the chippings lock in place and create a textured, rugged finish. It offers a natural aesthetic similar to gravel, but with far greater stability.

Unlike block paving or asphalt, tar and chip doesn’t have seams or joints that can shift or crack over time. It also allows for customisation in the colour and size of the aggregate used, making it as visually versatile as it is robust.

Excellent Performance in Freezing Conditions

One of the main issues with many driveway surfaces during winter is their tendency to crack due to the freeze-thaw cycle. When water gets into small cracks and freezes, it expands, forcing the material apart and creating larger breaks over time.

Tar and chip resists this kind of damage more effectively than some other surfaces:

• The top layer of stone chips provides natural drainage
  
• There are fewer opportunities for water to collect and freeze beneath the surface
  
• The flexible bitumen layer can move slightly with temperature changes, reducing cracking risk
  
• Snow and frost can often be cleared more easily from the textured surface
  

This combination of surface toughness and flexibility means a tar and chip driveway remains intact even during particularly harsh winters.

Stands Strong in the Summer Heat

High summer temperatures, while welcome for sun-seekers, can take a toll on some paving materials. Asphalt, for example, is known to soften in extreme heat, leading to deformation under heavy use. Tar and chip, on the other hand, has a more granular, heat-resistant surface.

How it performs in summer:

• The light-coloured stone chips help reflect sunlight and reduce surface heat
  
• The bitumen underneath remains stable at higher temperatures
  
• Less likely to become sticky or misshapen under vehicle weight
  
• Stone aggregate provides grip and texture, even in hot, dry weather
  

With Haddenham Driveways, you can rest assured that your surface will remain safe, functional and attractive, no matter how hot it gets.

Rain, Drainage, and Erosion Resistance

Let’s not forget the rain — a near-constant feature of life in Cambridgeshire and beyond. Tar and chip is designed to cope with heavy downpours, particularly on sloped or rural properties.

Because the surface has a naturally rough texture and some permeability between chippings, water tends to run off rather than pool. The bitumen base also helps prevent erosion of the underlying structure, unlike gravel or soil-based options.

In wet conditions, tar and chip offers:

• Natural surface drainage through micro-gaps between stones
  
• Resistance to puddling and water accumulation
  
• Reduced erosion around the edges when properly edged
  
• A grippy, non-slip surface even in wet weather
  

This performance in wet weather is one of the key reasons it’s so popular for rural lanes, farm drives and larger country properties.

Wind, Debris, and Heavy Use

Strong winds often bring more than just noise — they carry leaves, grit, and other debris that can gather on your drive. Tar and chip doesn’t suffer the same vulnerability as gravel (which can be scattered) or block paving (which can shift under pressure).

Benefits in high-wind or high-traffic areas:

• Stones are fixed into place, so they won’t blow away
  
• Textured finish helps prevent skidding from wind-blown debris
  
• No loose sections to lift or become unstable under repeated use
  
• Ideal for both light domestic and heavier rural vehicle traffic
  

Whether it’s the daily school run or access for delivery lorries, tar and chip can take the strain.

Conclusion

Tar and chip might not always be the flashiest surface on the market, but when it comes to resilience in extreme weather, it outperforms many alternatives. It’s rugged, stable, and built to last — all while maintaining a timeless, natural look that fits well into both modern and rural settings.

At Haddenham Driveways, we’re proud to offer tar and chip installations across Haddenham and Cambridgeshire that combine long-term durability with great value and visual appeal. If you’re looking for a driveway solution that stands strong against rain, frost, heat and wear, our expert team is here to help. Get in touch with us today and let’s future-proof your property with a surface built for the British climate.

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