A chip seal is an excellent option for resurfacing asphalt, extending the life of that pavement and creating a safe driving surface. Chip sealing is typically much less expensive than other repaving or pavement repair options, and creates a fresh surface that is ready for new parking lines and other markings. But, how long does chip seal last?
A chip seal often lasts an average of seven years, although this will vary according to everyday traffic, weather conditions, and how well you keep it maintained. Hiring a reputable asphalt paving company also ensures a chip seal lasts as long as possible.
Chip sealing offers many benefits for repairing and resurfacing public roadways, asphalt parking lots, and other such surfaces, but its overall longevity will depend on how well you maintain the chip sealant after installation. Knowing how a chip seal is applied and the materials used for this sealing can help ensure you’re doing every possible to protect your new pavement over the years.
You might also benefit from some tips and hints for keeping asphalt, concrete, and all paving materials in good condition, no matter their location or use.
Chip sealing uses the same materials as fresh asphalt paving, but the installation of a chip seal and new blacktop is a bit different. Understanding these differences can help you determine if a chip sealant is right for your roadway or parking lot and better understand its benefits versus tearing out your current pavement and installing new asphalt.
While a chip sealant is not the same as asphalt installation, this mixture offers a tough, durable surface that withstands most vehicle traffic as easily as fresh asphalt.
There are many advantages to chip sealing a road, parking lot, or asphalt driveway, versus tearing out that pavement and installing fresh asphalt. Chip sealant is also a good alternative to repairing a large number of chips, cracks, spalling, potholes, and other damage.
An asphalt paving contractor can also note the advantages of chip sealing for your roadway or property, in particular, given the condition of the current asphalt or other paving material.
A tar and chip driveway is similar to a cheap sealant; a layer of hot, liquid asphalt is sprayed over a layer of aggregate, and then fresh aggregate or chips are added. A tar and chip driveway is more stable than gravel as its chips are not loose and won’t get caught under tires or wash away during rainstorms. Many homeowners also find tar and chip driveways a bit more attractive than plain gravel, while the material is much cheaper than asphalt or concrete.
Paver molds make concrete driveways even more attractive if you're looking for a different option besides asphalt.
However, as with a chip sealant, a tar and chip driveway won’t last as long as asphalt installation or concrete. Depending on vehicle traffic, you might expect a tar and chip driveway to last a maximum of 7 to 10 years before it’s time for a fresh layer of sealant and new stones or aggregate.
The installation process of a chip sealant or tar and chip driveway affects its stability and overall longevity. While adding chip sealant to your pavement is best left to a professional, note some chip seal best practices. You can then discuss these with a potential asphalt installation contractor or know what to expect with your chip seal installation, and ensure you find the best company for all your asphalt maintenance and repairs.
The longevity of your new chip sealant will often depend on how well you care for the new sealing immediately after installation and over the years as well. Note a few tips on how to maintain a chip sealant and keep your pavement in good condition overall.
It’s also vital that a property owner note any specific suggestions or directions from their asphalt installation contractor. He or she might not excessive wear and tear on the current asphalt or drainage issues on the property and suggest a particular type of aggregate for better support and protection of the waterproof sealant and less risk of standing water. Your asphalt paving contractor might also suggest spraying the chip seal with water somewhat regularly to remove lawn care chemicals, automotive fluids, and other corrosive materials.
How do you maintain a chip seal driveway?
A chip seal or tar and chip driveway doesn’t necessarily need maintenance, such as fresh sealant or repainting every year. However, it’s good to avoid parking overly heavy vehicles on the driveway and running sharp objects, such as a snow blower, over its aggregates.
What is a slurry seal versus a chip seal?
A slurry seal is a cold mix of asphalt emulsion, aggregates, and water; a chip seal contains hot liquid asphalt. Slurry seals also have larger aggregates than chip seal. A slurry seal is often used for high-traffic roads, whereas a chip seal is often preferred for parking lots, roads with low-traffic volumes, and residential driveways.
Can you chip seal over asphalt?
Chip sealing is a pavement surface treatment that combines asphalt and aggregate, which are both applied to the surface of the road. The asphalt is heated and then poured over the aggregate, which is then rolled into place. This process can be used to seal over existing asphalt, as well as concrete and other surfaces. It is generally not recommended to chip seal over wood or dirt surfaces.
Contact our team at Dallas Asphalt Paving to learn more about chip sealing! Our asphalt contractors are professionals in the business and are ready to provide the services you need. We hope we've answered your question on how long does chip seal last.