chip seal faqs

Q: What structural value does a chip seal add to a pavement?
​A: None

Q: When is the best time or season for chip seals?
A: Chip seals are ideally placed when the pavement surface temperatures is 70 degrees or more. This temperature range must be maintained for the following 3-5 days for proper setting and curing. Humidity also affects the curing process. A good policy is to seal in the summer months, June, July, and August.

Q: Can chip seals be of multiple applications?
A: Yes - Chip seals are commonly placed as a double or triple treatment on new construction with single applications used as maintenance or resealing.

Q: What type of equipment is needed for the application?
A: A distributor, a chip spreader, self-propelled pneumatic tired roller 9 at least one, in larger projects up to three), haul trucks, and a power broom for cleaning the surface and sweeping the loose chips from the roadway within 24 hours of application.

Q: What are the benefits of a chip seal?
A: Chip seals water-proof the roadway surface, provide uniform surface texture and skid resistance, and seals minor cracks, which prolong pavement life.

Q: What is the average life span of chip seal?
A: 5-8 years, depending on the traffic and environmental conditions.