All you need to know about Tar Surfacing in Johannesburg

January 31, 2022

Asphalt Paving, Tar Surfacing

No Comments

max

Resurfacing a driveway or parking area is a fantastic way to give it new life and help to protect it as well. Knowing what paving solution is going to work best for your surface can make a big difference. Tar is a great alternative to full asphalt and concrete and can help extend the life of your driveway, road or other surfaces.

What’s the Difference Between Tar and Bitumen?

Bitumen, though often confused with tar, is not the same thing. Bitumen is a naturally occurring substance that is dark in colour. It is made of aromatic hydrocarbons and is dark in colour. It can be both solid and liquid and can be used to seal driveways and other hard surfaces. Tar on the other hand is a manmade substance.

Tar is made through a process called destructive distillation and can be made from coal, petroleum or even wood. Tar is always in liquid when applied, and it is very thick and viscous. It works well for sealing as it is also waterproof once it sets, and it does seep down into cracks and openings of any surface that it is applied to.

Bitumen, also known as mineral tar, is frequently used in asphalt to help give it its dark colour. It contributes to the dark colour of the asphalt as well as its ability to hold together when laid on the road or any other hard surface that you are covering. It is primarily composed of carbon and can be used for road construction, roofing, and even waterproofing.

What is the Difference Between Tar and Asphalt?

Tar, as discussed, is a substance that is thick and viscous, but that is ultimately a liquid. It is made from natural ingredients that are distilled together to create the tar that is then used for sealing, waterproofing and adding to other substances. Tar has many uses and is a very versatile material that can be used for nearly anything from sealing roads and driveways to sealing roofs and helping to make them waterproof.

Asphalt on the other hand is a finished product that contains many other products to give it the consistency and feel that it has. Asphalt is a substance that has small stones, pebbles and other fillers to give it bulk that is mixed with bitumen to give it the colour and consistency that we are all used to. This material is used to pave roads and parking lots and is generally something that has to be applied on its own. It is not going to be used for waterproofing or for sealing as tar would be.

Why Tar is the Best Road Surfacing Material?

For a variety of reasons, tar is a superb alternative to other materials when it comes to paving roadways. Because tar is first and foremost a liquid, it will be thin and will not add any additional bulk or height to the resurfaced road. Because tar is a liquid, it seeps into the crevices in the road, assisting in the sealing of any difficulties with the road surface.

It dries quickly, so it can be applied and then driven on relatively quickly to prevent the need to shut down the road or the area for too long. It can be applied to nearly any road surface as well, so it is very versatile. Lastly, tar is more cost-effective than asphalt concrete or any other road surface material, which makes it the best material for road surfacing.

How long Does it Take to Tar a Surface?

The most time-consuming task with tar is spreading it out and making sure it is even. It can take as little as a day depending on the condition of the surface, what needs to be done on it before the tar can be laid, and many other factors. If you have an area that is going to need extensive patching first, for instance, it can take longer to seal than an area that simply needs to be swept. This is something to keep in mind, and it does make a difference when it comes to the complete timeline.

How Much Does it Cost to Tar a Surface in Johannesburg?

Tar is less expensive than other materials, it is a fantastic way to cover any surface at a low cost. Tarring any surface in Johannesburg can cost anything from R70 to R150 per square meter. When it comes to tar surfacing, it’s usually advisable to hire a professional civil construction company to help you prepare and tar your surface.

The cost is determined by the size of the project, the length of time it will take, and other factors that may cause the job to take longer or be more difficult. For the most part, tar is a less expensive alternative to any other surfacing solution that will allow you to achieve a great-looking surface. If you need any help related to your tar project feel free to Speak to one of our experts today, and we would love to help you.