A Step-by-Step Guide for Tarring Your Driveway

Your driveway is the first part of your home your guests and visitors see when they come to your home. It goes without saying that you need to keep your driveway clean and focus on curb appeal to make a positive first impression. However, if your driveway has been damaged due to wear and tear, or for any other reason, you need to apply a coat of a tar. Tarring driveways may not be a straightforward task, but you can get it done with some effort and care. Here is a step-by-step guide for tarring driveways:

Selecting the Materials

Before you start, you need to decide on the material you will use for tarring driveways. Generally, people use concrete and asphalt to get the job done. It is easier to seal these materials with coal tar. You can conveniently purchase coal tar aggregate at your nearest convenience store. You should opt for a coal tar emulsion sealer, as it offers greater durability.

Choosing the Right Day

The worst thing that can happen when tarring driveways is bad weather. You should check the weather forecast for at least a couple of days before you decide on a time and day for working on the project. If it rains, you will have to redo the project. Moreover, you should avoid undertaking this project if the weather is cold, as the cold can cause the tar to crack.

Preparing the Driveway

Before you start laying down the concrete and asphalt, you need to prepare the surface. Start by cleaning the driveway thoroughly. Remove all dust and debris. If there is any grime, use a pressure washer to remove. Also, get rid of any stains using a degreasing cleaner. Trim any plants or grass that is growing on the edges of the driveway.

Fill Up Holes

Make sure there are no holes in the driveway. You will get a better idea once you clean the driveway. If there are any holes, first remove any debris lodged within. Next, fill in the holes using a patching kit. Opt for sand or small stones to fill the holes using a trowel. Place a length of plywood on top of the hole and firm it down by driving over it multiple times. You should also repair any cracks that emerge. Use a crack filler to fill in the holes and let it dry before you proceed with tarring the driveway.

Tarring the Driveway

This is the business end of the job. First, you should make sure you have sufficient tar emulsion sealer. The ratio is 300 sq. ft. to 5 gallons. Measure the driveway or the part that you want to tar. Place tarpaulin over the surrounding areas, including the foundation and walls of your home. Start from the end of the driveway, so you don’t get backed into a corner. Lay down the tar in vertical lines. Unless your driveway has been resurfaced, you won’t need to put down a second coat.

You can follow this step-by-step guide for tarring driveways. Or if you think this is too much work, which it kind of is, feel free to call in a professional to take care of the job!