What?
Chip seals are economical surface treatments designed to protect and prolong the lives of pavements. In a single chip seal, an asphalt binder is sprayed on the pavement, then immediately covered by a single layer of uniformly sized chips. The new surface treatment is then rolled to seat the aggregate, and broomed to remove any loose chips. There are also variations of the technique, used for special needs.
Why?
Chip seals can be used to protect new pavements, to increase macro-texture, and to prolong the life of a pavement which is structurally sound but is beginning to age and may have some surface distress. Traditionally, chip sealing is most common on low-volume roads, but with the development of improved materials and technologies, chip sealing on high-volume roads is becoming more popular.
Chip seals:
- Improve surface texture
- Waterproof the surface
- Protect the underlying pavement from oxidation, aging and traffic wear
- Give new life to dry, weathered surfaces
- Seal small cracks and imperfections
- Improve surface texture
- Are a relatively fast resurfacing method
- Are a good buy
The smooth, chip sealed road surface improves riding comfort and decreases road user costs by decreasing vehicle maintenance costs, fuel costs, and traveling time.
When and How?
Materials selection, chip seal design, site selection (where chip seals are and aren't appropriate), pavement conditions, climate, equipment qualification and calibration, construction techniques, quality control and traffic control can make or break the success of a chip seal. SemMaterials reps have years of experience with successful chip seals. Contact your local SemMaterials Representative for more information about our products for chip seals, and recommendations on how to use them most effectively.