Surface dressing tanker and chip spreader on a country lane

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Surface Dressing

A fast, cost-effective way to seal a road, restore grip and add years of life, with far less cost and carbon than resurfacing.

8 Surface dressing binders
40+ Years' experience
NHSS 13 trained operatives

Overview

Tar & chip, done properly

We've laid surface dressing for many years and are recognised as a leader in the field.

A specialist binder seals the surface, and rolled-in aggregate chippings give it a durable, skid-resistant finish at a relatively low cost. We offer a full contracting service, or supply & apply of binder to support other operations.

Surface dressing being applied to a rural road Binder sprayed, chippings rolled in

Dressing types

The right system for the road

Single

Single dressing

One binder coat and one chip size, for lighter traffic.

Racked-in

Racked-in

Large chips locked in by smaller ones for early stability.

Double

Double dressing

Two layers for tired or heavily stressed surfaces.

Ask us about other systems, including mosaic dressings.

Binders

Eight binders, one right choice

We offer eight surface dressing binders, so we can choose the right blend of binder and aggregate for each site.

Polymer-modified binders (PMBs)

Vegetable-derived binders

Resin products

Matched to the traffic, the road and the season

How we work

Full service or supply & apply

A

Full contracting service

Our skilled workforce and modern computer-controlled equipment carry out every type of work safely, reliably and quickly. Our in-house design team gives free advice on request, and our technical team monitors quality throughout.

B

Supply & apply

Our binders are available with experienced sprayer drivers and operators to work alongside your own teams. You get the binder you want and the expertise to apply it, without investing in specialist plant.

Safety comes first

We're proud of our safety record. Our workforce trains regularly in managing safety and risk assessment, full PPE is worn at all times, and we have a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe working. Operatives are trained to the NHSS 13 standard.

Gallery

Recent surface dressing

Surface dressing being applied to a farm track
Close-up of surface dressing chippings
Freshly surface dressed farm track
Finished surface dressing on a farm track
Surface dressing sprayer working on a private lane
Surface dressing on a private lane
Finished surface dressing on a private lane
Surface dressing tanker at work on a lane

FAQs

Surface dressing questions

Why are there loose chippings?

Surplus stone is normal at first and is swept up in stages. Lower speeds help the chips bed in.

When is surface dressing done?

It needs warm, dry weather, usually late spring to late summer.

Can tar & chip go on my driveway?

Yes, over a sound base. It gives a rural gravel look with good grip for less than full tarmac.

Is surface dressing cheaper than resurfacing?

Yes. It seals and re-grips a sound surface at a fraction of the cost of resurfacing, with far less carbon. If the base has failed, we will recommend repairs or resurfacing instead.

Free estimates. Expert advice.
No obligation.

Tell us about the road, lane or track and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.