ADA Compliance for Parking Lots: What Middle Tennessee Business Owners Need to Know

John Jernigan • October 8, 2025

If you own or manage a commercial property in Middle Tennessee, your parking lot isn't just about providing convenient spaces for customers. It's also about ensuring equal access for everyone—including people with disabilities. And that means understanding and meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

ADA compliance isn't optional. It's federal law, and violations can result in lawsuits, fines, and mandatory retrofits that cost far more than getting it right from the start. But beyond the legal obligations, accessible parking is simply good business. It ensures that every customer can access your services with dignity and independence.

Let's break down what Middle Tennessee business owners need to know about ADA-compliant parking lots.

Why ADA Compliance Matters

The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law in 1990, prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life. For commercial properties, this includes ensuring that parking lots provide accessible spaces and routes to building entrances.

The legal reality: Non-compliance can result in Department of Justice complaints, private lawsuits, mandatory corrections, legal fees, and civil penalties up to $75,000 for a first violation and $150,000 for subsequent violations.

The business case: Beyond avoiding penalties, accessible parking expands your customer base. According to the CDC, about 26% of adults in the United States have some type of disability. That's more than one in four potential customers. When your parking lot is accessible, you're communicating that everyone's business is welcome and valued.

The right thing to do: Compliance aside, creating accessible spaces ensures that people with disabilities can participate fully in community life—shopping, dining, banking, receiving healthcare, and conducting business just like everyone else.

How Many Accessible Spaces Do You Need?

The number of required accessible parking spaces depends on your total parking capacity. Here's the breakdown according to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design:

  • 1-25 total spaces: 1 accessible space required
  • 26-50 total spaces: 2 accessible spaces required
  • 51-75 total spaces: 3 accessible spaces required
  • 76-100 total spaces: 4 accessible spaces required
  • 101-150 total spaces: 5 accessible spaces required
  • 151-200 total spaces: 6 accessible spaces required
  • 201-300 total spaces: 7 accessible spaces required
  • 301-400 total spaces: 8 accessible spaces required
  • 401-500 total spaces: 9 accessible spaces required
  • 501-1000 total spaces: 2% of total spaces
  • 1001+ total spaces: 20, plus 1 for each 100 over 1000

Additionally, one in every six accessible spaces (but never less than one) must be van-accessible. Van-accessible spaces have specific requirements that differ from standard accessible spaces.

Standard Accessible Space Requirements

Getting the details right matters. Here are the key specifications for standard accessible parking spaces:

Width: Accessible parking spaces must be at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide with an adjacent access aisle that's at least 60 inches (5 feet) wide. The space and aisle combined create a minimum 11-foot wide area.

Access aisle: This is the striped area next to the parking space that allows people to deploy wheelchair ramps or lifts. Access aisles must be:

  • At least 60 inches wide for standard accessible spaces
  • Marked with diagonal stripes or chevrons
  • Kept clear of parked vehicles at all times
  • Level with the parking space (no slope greater than 1:48 in any direction)

Surface: The parking space and access aisle must have a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface with no abrupt changes in level.

Location: Accessible spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance. If your facility has multiple accessible entrances, distribute accessible spaces to provide equal access to all entrances.

Van-Accessible Space Requirements

Van-accessible spaces accommodate vehicles with side-mounted wheelchair lifts or ramps, which require additional clearance.

Width: Van-accessible spaces require a minimum 96-inch wide parking space with an adjacent access aisle that's at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide. This creates a minimum 16-foot wide area total.

Vertical clearance: A minimum vertical clearance of 98 inches is required along the vehicle route to the parking space, at the parking space, and along the route from the parking space to the accessible entrance.

Signage: Van-accessible spaces must include an additional "Van Accessible" designation on the sign.

Required Signage

Proper signage is mandatory for all accessible parking spaces:

Mounting height: Signs must be at least 60 inches above the ground surface, measured to the bottom of the sign. This ensures they're visible even when vehicles are parked in the spaces.

International Symbol of Accessibility: All accessible spaces must display this recognizable wheelchair symbol.

Van designation: Van-accessible spaces must include signage indicating "Van Accessible" below the International Symbol of Accessibility.

Tow warnings: While not required by federal ADA standards, many states and localities require additional signage warning that unauthorized vehicles will be towed. Check your local requirements.

Access Aisles: The Critical Detail Many Get Wrong

Access aisles are one of the most commonly violated ADA requirements. These striped areas must remain clear at all times.

Two spaces can share one aisle: You can position two accessible spaces to share a common access aisle between them, which is an efficient use of space.

Marking matters: Access aisles must be clearly marked with diagonal stripes or chevrons. Faded or missing striping is a compliance violation.

No parking allowed: Access aisles are not parking spaces. They must be marked as "No Parking" and kept completely clear. Blocking an access aisle—even temporarily—prevents people with disabilities from accessing their vehicles.

Surface requirements: The access aisle must be at the same level as the parking space and the accessible route to the entrance.

The Accessible Route to Your Entrance

It's not enough to have properly marked spaces—you must also provide an accessible route from those spaces to your building's accessible entrance.

Width: The accessible route must be at least 36 inches wide (48 inches is preferred).

Surface: Must be firm, stable, and slip-resistant with no abrupt level changes greater than ½ inch.

Slope: Running slope must not exceed 1:20 (5%). Any slope steeper than 1:20 is considered a ramp and triggers additional requirements including handrails.

Cross slope: Cross slope (side-to-side tilt) must not exceed 1:48 (2%).

Curb ramps: If your accessible route crosses a curb, you must provide a curb ramp that meets specific requirements for slope, width, and landing areas.

Common ADA Parking Lot Violations in Middle Tennessee

In our three decades of commercial paving work, we've seen these compliance issues repeatedly:

Insufficient number of accessible spaces: Often occurs when parking lots are expanded but accessible spaces aren't added proportionally.

Incorrect space or aisle dimensions: Spaces that are too narrow or access aisles that don't meet minimum width requirements.

Excessive slope: Spaces or access aisles that have cross slopes exceeding 2%, often due to drainage design that didn't account for accessibility requirements.

Faded or missing striping: Over time, pavement markings fade, making access aisles difficult to identify, which leads to vehicles parking where they shouldn't.

Improper signage: Signs mounted too low, missing van-accessible designations, or lacking the International Symbol of Accessibility.

Blocked access aisles: Shopping carts, temporary displays, or vehicles illegally parked in striped areas.

No accessible route: Properly marked spaces but no compliant route to the entrance due to curbs without ramps, excessive slope, or poor surface conditions.

Surface deterioration: Cracked, broken, or uneven pavement in accessible spaces that creates obstacles for wheelchair users.

New Construction vs. Existing Facilities

Requirements differ slightly depending on whether you're building new or managing an existing property:

New construction and alterations: Must fully comply with current ADA standards. There's no leeway—new parking lots must meet all specifications from day one.

Existing facilities: Must remove barriers to accessibility where "readily achievable"—meaning easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense. However, if you're making alterations to your parking lot, those alterations must comply with current standards.

Resurfacing triggers compliance: If you're resurfacing more than just patching potholes, it's considered an alteration. This means you must bring your parking lot into ADA compliance as part of the project.

Planning for ADA Compliance: Start Early

Whether you're building new or renovating existing parking, address ADA requirements early in the planning process:

During initial design: Work with contractors who understand ADA requirements. At J&J Asphalt, we incorporate accessibility standards into our parking lot designs from the beginning, ensuring proper space allocation, appropriate slopes for drainage while maintaining accessibility, and logical placement that serves customers best.

Before resurfacing projects: If you're planning to resurface your existing parking lot, this is the ideal time to evaluate and improve accessibility. Adding or relocating accessible spaces during resurfacing is far more cost-effective than retrofitting later.

When expanding capacity: Any time you add parking spaces, recalculate how many accessible spaces are required based on your new total.

Working with Experienced Contractors

Not every paving contractor has deep experience with ADA requirements. The details matter—a space that's 6 inches too narrow or an access aisle with 3% cross slope instead of 2% may look fine but isn't compliant.

At J&J Asphalt, we've been designing and building ADA-compliant parking lots throughout Middle Tennessee for over 30 years. We understand:

  • How to achieve proper slope for both drainage and accessibility
  • Where to position accessible spaces for optimal access to entrances
  • How to mark and sign spaces correctly
  • When van-accessible spaces are required and how to design them
  • How to create accessible routes that work with your site's topography
  • Local variations and additional requirements specific to Tennessee municipalities

We also stay current with ADA standards and can help you navigate both federal requirements and any local codes that may apply to your property.

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

While we don't want to be alarmist, the financial reality of non-compliance is serious:

Lawsuits are common: ADA compliance lawsuits have increased significantly in recent years. Some law firms specifically target businesses with accessibility violations.

Mandatory corrections: If found non-compliant, you'll be required to make corrections, often on an accelerated timeline that eliminates your ability to plan and budget efficiently.

Legal fees add up quickly: Even if you ultimately prevail in a lawsuit, defending yourself is expensive.

Reputation damage: Accessibility complaints can harm your business's reputation in the community.

Retrofitting costs more: Making changes to existing parking lots is almost always more expensive than designing compliance in from the start.

Getting It Right: Your Action Plan

Here's what we recommend for Middle Tennessee business owners:

Assess your current parking lot: Walk your property with ADA requirements in mind. Count spaces, measure widths, check slopes, verify signage, and look for surface problems in accessible areas.

Document everything: Take photos and measurements. This creates a baseline understanding of your current compliance status.

Prioritize issues: If you identify problems, address the most serious violations first—typically those involving space count, dimensions, and signage.

Plan proactively: If your parking lot is aging and will need resurfacing in the next few years, budget for bringing it into full compliance during that project.

Work with experienced professionals: Partner with contractors who understand accessibility requirements and can design solutions that meet both ADA standards and your operational needs.

Beyond Compliance: Creating Truly Accessible Spaces

Meeting minimum ADA requirements is essential, but the best parking lots go beyond just checking compliance boxes. Consider:

  • Positioning accessible spaces closest to your entrance, even if other spots are technically "close enough"
  • Providing extra van-accessible spaces if your business attracts customers who might need them
  • Maintaining accessible spaces in top condition—being the first to repair any surface deterioration
  • Keeping access aisles completely clear with disciplined cart return policies and regular monitoring
  • Providing weather protection or covered accessible spaces where possible

These extras aren't required, but they demonstrate genuine commitment to accessibility and customer service.

We're Here to Help

ADA compliance can feel complicated, but you don't have to navigate it alone. At J&J Asphalt, we help Middle Tennessee business owners create parking lots that are both compliant and functional.

Whether you're planning new construction, preparing to resurface an existing lot, or want an assessment of your current accessibility status, we bring the expertise to get it right. We'll evaluate your property, explain what's required, recommend solutions, and execute work that meets all applicable standards.

Your parking lot is the first part of your business most customers encounter. Making it accessible isn't just about compliance—it's about welcoming everyone through your doors.

Let's make sure your parking lot works for all your customers.

Need help with ADA compliance for your commercial parking lot? J&J Asphalt brings 30+ years of experience designing and building accessible parking throughout Middle Tennessee. We can assess your current lot, recommend improvements, and ensure full compliance.

Beyond Driveways: Creative Uses for Asphalt on Your Property

By John Jernigan • October 8, 2025
When you think about asphalt paving, your mind probably goes straight to driveways and parking lots. And that makes sense—those are the most common applications. But if you stop there, you're missing out on some creative ways asphalt can enhance your property's functionality, value, and enjoyment. Over our 30+ years serving Middle Tennessee homeowners, we've paved everything from basketball courts to dog runs, garden pathways to RV pads. Each project solved a specific problem or unlocked new possibilities for the property. Today, we're sharing some of the most popular (and surprising) ways homeowners are using asphalt beyond the traditional driveway. RV and Boat Storage Pads If you own an RV, boat, or trailer, you already know the storage challenge. Parking these vehicles on grass creates ruts, mud, and an eyesore. Gravel helps but requires constant replenishing and still looks messy. A dedicated asphalt pad solves all these problems elegantly. Why it works: Asphalt provides a stable, level surface that can handle the weight of heavy recreational vehicles without sinking or shifting. It drains well, keeps your investment clean and accessible, and looks infinitely more polished than a dirt or gravel patch. Design considerations: Size the pad to accommodate not just the vehicle but also walking space around it for maintenance and cleaning. Include a slight slope for drainage. Many homeowners position these pads alongside the house or behind a fence line for a clean look that doesn't dominate the front yard. Bonus benefit: A proper RV pad can be a selling point if you ever list your home, especially in areas where recreational vehicle ownership is common. Backyard Basketball Courts There's something special about having a court in your own backyard. No waiting for the neighborhood park to clear out. No fighting for space. Just grab a ball and play whenever the mood strikes. Why asphalt is ideal: While concrete is also an option, asphalt offers a slight give that's easier on joints during those pickup games. It's also more forgiving on the ball, creating a better bounce and more authentic playing experience. And let's be honest—asphalt simply looks right for a basketball court. Size options: You don't need a regulation full court to have fun. A half-court (47' x 50') works great for most families. Even a smaller shooting area (20' x 20') gives kids a place to practice free throws and work on their game. Long-term value: Beyond the obvious recreational benefits, a well-maintained court can become the neighborhood gathering spot, keeping kids active and close to home. We've had parents tell us their basketball court was one of the best investments they made in their property. Multi-Purpose Sport Courts Basketball isn't the only game in town. Many homeowners are creating multi-sport surfaces that accommodate basketball, pickleball, tennis practice, or roller hockey. The flexibility factor: With the right striping, a single asphalt surface can serve multiple purposes. Paint both basketball and pickleball lines, and suddenly you've got a court that appeals to different family members and ages. Pickleball's rising popularity: If you haven't noticed, pickleball has exploded in popularity, especially among active adults. A pickleball court measures just 30' x 60'—much more manageable than a tennis court and perfect for many residential properties. Future-proofing fun: Kids' interests change. Today they want basketball, next year they're into roller hockey. A multi-purpose asphalt surface adapts to whatever phase they're in. Walking Paths and Garden Trails Not every asphalt project needs to accommodate vehicles. Some of the most charming applications involve creating walking paths through your property. For large properties: If you have acreage, asphalt paths can connect different areas—from your house to a pond, through wooded areas, or around garden beds. These paths are wheelchair and walker accessible, making your entire property usable for family members with mobility challenges. Garden walkways: Create defined paths through landscaped areas that stay clean and mud-free year-round. Unlike mulch that needs annual replacement or stepping stones that shift and settle, asphalt paths are permanent, low-maintenance solutions. The aesthetic approach: Asphalt paths don't have to look industrial. Edged with natural stone, bordered by plantings, or designed with gentle curves, they can feel organic and intentional rather than utilitarian. Dog Runs and Pet Areas Pet owners know the struggle: dogs love to run, but running on grass creates worn patches, mud pits, and tracked-in mess. An asphalt dog run solves these problems while giving your four-legged family members a dedicated space. Practical benefits: Asphalt is easy to clean and hose down, doesn't harbor parasites like dirt can, stays usable in wet weather, and provides good traction for dogs to run without slipping. Size and design: A dog run can be as simple as a long rectangular strip alongside your fence line or a larger area where dogs can really stretch their legs. Add shade structures or install it where natural shade exists for summer comfort. Bonus for rental properties: If you rent out properties, a designated pet area can be a significant amenity that attracts responsible pet owners while protecting the rest of your landscaping. Equipment Storage and Work Areas Sometimes you need a clean, stable surface for practical work—not recreation. Asphalt delivers here too. Workshop extensions: Create an outdoor work area adjacent to your garage or workshop where you can work on projects without worrying about weather or mess. Perfect for woodworking, vehicle maintenance, or equipment repair. Shed and storage building pads: Rather than placing sheds directly on ground that will settle and shift, install them on asphalt pads that provide lasting stability and keep your storage building level and dry. Outdoor hobby spaces: Whether you're into welding, painting, pottery, or any hobby that benefits from outdoor space and easy cleanup, an asphalt pad creates a defined area that's functional year-round. Pool Decking and Surrounds While many pools feature concrete decking, asphalt can be an excellent choice for pool surrounds, especially for kidney-shaped or free-form pools where pouring concrete becomes complex and expensive. Why consider asphalt: It's slip-resistant when properly finished, comfortable to walk on barefoot (especially compared to concrete that can get scorching hot), and can be surfaced to handle pool chemicals and water exposure. Design integration: Asphalt pool surrounds can extend into patio areas, connecting your pool to other outdoor living spaces in a cohesive design. Cost advantage: For larger pool areas or complex shapes, asphalt can provide significant cost savings compared to stamped concrete or pavers while still delivering a durable, attractive surface. Driveway Extensions and Turn-Arounds This might seem like standard driveway territory, but many homeowners don't realize how much an extension or turn-around area can improve daily function. Turn-around areas: If you have a long driveway, adding a turn-around means never backing out blindly onto the road—a safety improvement that also makes life easier, especially in winter weather or when you're in a hurry. Additional parking: Create an extended area off your main driveway for guest parking, extra household vehicles, or overflow when you're entertaining. It's the difference between having cars parked on your lawn during parties or everyone having proper space. Side access: Connect your driveway to a backyard gate or side entrance, making it easy to bring in equipment, furniture, or materials without crossing your lawn. Tennis Courts and Sport Surfaces For properties with the space, a private tennis court is the ultimate recreational amenity. While this is a larger investment, the value it provides for tennis enthusiasts can't be overstated. The asphalt advantage: Tennis courts require a perfectly smooth, stable surface with proper slope for drainage. Asphalt delivers this foundation and, when properly maintained with acrylic surface coatings, provides playing characteristics identical to what you'd find at professional facilities. Space requirements: A regulation tennis court requires approximately 60' x 120', but you can adjust dimensions slightly for practice courts or modified play areas. Multi-generational appeal: Tennis is a sport you can play at any age, making a home court an investment that serves your family for decades. Fire Pit and Outdoor Living Foundations Creating outdoor living spaces? Asphalt can provide the foundation for fire pit areas, outdoor kitchens, or entertainment zones. Why asphalt as a base: It creates a level, stable, and fire-resistant foundation that won't shift like gravel or retain moisture like bare ground. You can then add decorative pavers, outdoor rugs, or furniture directly on the asphalt surface. Integration with landscaping: Use asphalt to define the footprint of your outdoor living area, then soften the edges with plantings, stone borders, or other landscape features that match your style. Making Your Vision Reality The common thread in all these applications? Asphalt's versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It's not just about creating a surface—it's about unlocking new ways to use and enjoy your property. At J&J Asphalt, we love creative projects. When a homeowner calls with an idea that goes beyond the standard driveway, we get excited about solving the unique challenges each project presents. How do we handle drainage for a dog run? What's the ideal surface finish for a basketball court? How do we integrate an RV pad into existing landscaping? These aren't problems—they're opportunities to create something that perfectly serves your needs. Start with a Conversation Maybe you've been thinking about one of these projects but weren't sure if asphalt was the right choice. Or perhaps this article sparked an idea you hadn't considered before. Either way, we'd love to talk through your vision. We'll visit your property, understand what you're trying to accomplish, assess the space and any challenges, and give you honest feedback about whether asphalt is the best solution or if another approach might serve you better. Some projects need careful planning—proper base preparation, drainage considerations, or permits. Others are surprisingly straightforward. The only way to know is to have a conversation about your specific situation. Beyond the Ordinary Your property has potential beyond what's immediately obvious. That underutilized side yard could become an RV pad. That area where grass never grows could be a sport court. That long walk to your shed could be a proper path. Asphalt isn't just for getting from the street to your garage. It's a tool for creating functional, valuable spaces that make your property work harder for you and your family. What could we help you create? Ready to explore creative uses for asphalt on your property? Contact J&J Asphalt to discuss your ideas. From basketball courts to RV pads, walking paths to work areas, we bring 30+ years of experience to projects throughout Middle Tennessee.

Tar & Chip Driveways: The Rustic Alternative You Haven't Considered

By John Jernigan • October 8, 2025
When most homeowners think about driveway options, their minds immediately go to two places: traditional asphalt or concrete. Both are solid choices with proven track records. But there's a third option that's been quietly beautifying driveways across Middle Tennessee for decades—one that combines old-world charm with modern durability. It's called tar and chip, and if you've never heard of it, you're not alone. Yet once you understand what it offers, you might wonder why it's not the first option every contractor mentions. What Exactly Is Tar & Chip? Tar and chip goes by several names—chip seal, seal chip, or macadam—but the process is elegantly simple and has been used for over a century. Here's how it works: Hot liquid asphalt (the "tar") is applied to a prepared base, and then clean, angular stone chips are immediately spread across the surface and rolled into the asphalt. The chips embed into the tar, creating a textured, stone-covered surface that's both functional and beautiful. The result looks similar to expensive gravel driveways you might see at upscale estates or countryside properties, but it's actually a solid, permanent surface that won't shift, scatter, or require regular replenishing like loose gravel does. The Look: Natural Character Built In Let's address the elephant in the room first: aesthetics. This is where tar and chip truly shines. Traditional asphalt is practical and clean, but let's be honest—it's just a black surface. It serves its purpose but doesn't add much character to your property. Tar and chip, on the other hand, offers a naturally varied, textured appearance that complements rather than competes with your home's architecture. The stone chips come in various colors—gray, tan, brown, even reddish tones—allowing you to choose a palette that harmonizes with your home's exterior, landscaping, and regional aesthetic. Here in Middle Tennessee, earth-tone chips blend beautifully with our natural surroundings and traditional home styles. The texture also creates visual interest. Where asphalt presents a uniform surface, tar and chip has depth and dimension. It photographs well, ages gracefully, and fits seamlessly into both rural and suburban settings. For homes with: Rustic or farmhouse style architecture Stone or natural wood exteriors Country or estate properties Traditional cottage or colonial designs Wooded or naturalistic landscaping Tar and chip often looks more "at home" than stark black asphalt ever could. The Practical Benefits You Might Not Expect Beauty is wonderful, but a driveway needs to perform. Tar and chip delivers on function in several surprising ways: Superior Traction: That textured stone surface provides excellent grip in all weather conditions. Rain, ice, or snow—your tires have more to grab onto than smooth asphalt. This makes tar and chip particularly attractive for sloped driveways where traction matters most. No Sealcoating Required: Unlike traditional asphalt that needs sealcoating every 2-3 years to maintain protection and appearance, tar and chip doesn't require this ongoing maintenance. The stone chips are already on the surface, protecting the asphalt underneath from UV damage and oxidation. Cost-Effective Installation: Tar and chip typically costs less than traditional asphalt and significantly less than concrete or decorative pavers. You get a distinctive, attractive driveway without the premium price tag of high-end alternatives. Excellent Drainage: The textured surface allows water to drain more effectively than smooth asphalt, reducing puddling and ice formation. This is particularly beneficial in Middle Tennessee where drainage management is crucial. Cooler Surface Temperature: The stone chips reflect more heat than dark asphalt, resulting in a cooler surface during our hot Tennessee summers. Your driveway won't feel like a frying pan when you walk across it barefoot to get the mail. Understanding the Trade-Offs Tar and chip isn't perfect for every situation, and we believe in giving you the complete picture. Not Ideal for Snow Removal: If you use a plow or blade for snow removal, the loose stones on the surface can be displaced. A snow blower works fine, but aggressive plowing can damage the surface. For most Middle Tennessee homeowners where heavy snow is occasional rather than routine, this isn't a dealbreaker. Textured Surface: The very thing that makes tar and chip attractive—its texture—means it's not as smooth as traditional asphalt. This is perfect for walking and driving, but less ideal if you have young children who use the driveway for roller skating, scooters, or as a basketball court. Limited Repair Options: While tar and chip is durable, if damage does occur, repairs are more noticeable than patching traditional asphalt. The surface needs to be maintained as a whole rather than spot-fixed. Less Common: Because tar and chip is less common than traditional asphalt, not every paving company has the experience or equipment to install it properly. This is where working with an experienced contractor like J&J Asphalt, with over 30 years in the business, makes all the difference. The Installation Process: Timing and Expectations Tar and chip installation is weather-dependent and requires specific conditions for optimal results. The liquid asphalt needs warm temperatures to flow properly and bond with the stone chips, which means installation typically happens during warmer months. The process moves quickly once it begins: Base Preparation: Just like any quality paving project, proper base preparation is crucial. The existing surface is evaluated, graded for drainage, and prepared to receive the tar and chip application. Hot Asphalt Application: Liquid asphalt is applied evenly across the surface while it's still hot. Stone Chip Distribution: Clean, angular stone chips are immediately spread across the hot asphalt in a uniform layer. Rolling and Compaction: Heavy rollers embed the chips into the asphalt, creating a solid bond. Curing: The surface needs time to cure and for any loose chips to work free. We recommend waiting a few days before heavy use, and some loose stones at the edges are normal initially. The entire process for a typical residential driveway can often be completed in a single day, though curing continues over the following weeks. Longevity and Performance With proper installation on a good base, tar and chip driveways regularly last 7-10 years or more before needing attention. Some well-maintained surfaces go even longer. Compare this to traditional asphalt, which may need its first sealcoating within 2-3 years and subsequent resealing on the same schedule. While tar and chip has a shorter absolute lifespan than freshly maintained asphalt, the reduced maintenance requirements often make the total cost of ownership comparable or even favorable. When tar and chip does eventually need renewal, the process can often be repeated right over the existing surface (assuming the base is still sound), essentially giving you a new driveway without complete removal and replacement. Is Tar & Chip Right for Your Home? Tar and chip makes the most sense when: Aesthetics matter: You want something more distinctive than standard black asphalt You value low maintenance: The idea of skipping regular sealcoating appeals to you Traction is important: You have slopes or challenging weather conditions Your style is traditional or rustic: Your home's architecture calls for natural materials Budget is a consideration: You want quality and beauty without premium pricing You're in a rural or suburban setting: The natural look fits your property character It's less ideal when: You need perfectly smooth surfaces for activities like skateboarding You regularly use heavy snow removal equipment Your aesthetic preference leans modern or contemporary You have extremely high traffic or heavy vehicle usage The Middle Tennessee Connection Tar and chip has a long history in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast. You'll find it on country lanes, estate driveways, and increasingly in suburban neighborhoods where homeowners want something different from the standard suburban black asphalt. Our climate is actually well-suited to tar and chip. We don't face the extreme freeze-thaw cycles of northern states that can be tough on any paved surface, and our occasional snow events don't require the heavy-duty snow removal equipment that can damage tar and chip surfaces. The natural, understated aesthetic also fits perfectly with Tennessee's landscape and architectural traditions. Whether you're restoring a historic property or building new with traditional design sensibilities, tar and chip offers authenticity that other paving options struggle to match. Making Your Decision If you've never considered tar and chip, we encourage you to take a closer look. Drive through some of Middle Tennessee's older, established neighborhoods and you'll start noticing these distinctive driveways. Pay attention to how they age, how they complement different home styles, and how they create a welcoming entrance. At J&J Asphalt, we've installed tar and chip driveways throughout Middle Tennessee for over three decades. We understand the nuances of proper installation—the right temperature for application, the proper chip size for durability, the importance of thorough rolling, and how to prepare a base that will support the surface for years to come. We're also honest about when tar and chip is the right choice and when traditional asphalt might serve you better. Our goal isn't to push a particular product; it's to help you make the best decision for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget. See the Difference for Yourself Tar and chip is one of those things that's better seen than described. If you're curious about whether this rustic alternative might be perfect for your property, we'd be happy to show you examples of our work, discuss your specific situation, and provide guidance on whether tar and chip is the right fit. Your driveway is more than just a place to park your car. It's part of your home's character, your property's first impression, and an investment in both function and beauty. Sometimes the best choice isn't the most common one—it's the one that perfectly suits your unique needs and vision. Let's talk about creating an entrance that's distinctively yours. Curious about tar & chip for your property? Contact J&J Asphalt to discuss your options and see examples of our tar and chip installations throughout Middle Tennessee. Serving Nashville, Columbia, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Pulaski, and beyond.