Chip Seal Vs. Asphalt Paving: What’s The Big Difference?

 


Chip Seal Vs. Asphalt Paving: What’s The Big Difference?

Page 2 – Picketts Paving LLC
September 21, 2022 at 10:57 AM

Chip Seal Vs. Asphalt Paving: What's The Big Difference?

Key Takeaways:

  • Chip seal paving is a durable and longer-lasting alternative to asphalt paving.
  • Asphalt paving is better if you want a smooth and shiny surface.
  • Chip seal paving can save money in the long term due to its low maintenance and durability.
  • Pavement life can be extended by up to 12 years with chip seal paving.
  • Pickett’s Paving LLC offers chip sealing and asphalt paving services to customers in North Port, FL, and the surrounding areas.

Regarding the upkeep of your driveway, you can choose two suitable paving surfaces: chip seal or asphalt. Both have pros and cons, but which is the right choice for you?

Pickett’s Paving LLC will walk you through the breakdown of the differences between these two methods so you can make the best decision for your property.

Chip Seal Paving

Chip seal paving is a type of pavement made by applying a layer of aggregate chips to the pavement’s surface. It can provide superior protection against weathering and wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. However, chip seal paving can be more expensive than other types of paving, and it’s not always as aesthetically pleasing. Also, please read our blog on the benefits of applying a chip seal to your pavement.

Asphalt Paving

On the other hand, asphalt pavement is made by mixing asphalt with aggregate stone. It creates a smooth and durable surface perfect for residential and commercial applications. Asphalt is also less expensive than chip seal paving, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious homeowners. However, asphalt paving doesn’t offer the same level of protection against weathering and wear as chip seal paving.

Benefits of Chip Sealing Vs. Asphalt Paving

Chip seal paving is an excellent option for homeowners who want durable, long-lasting pavement at an affordable price. Let’s discuss these benefits in detail:

1. Long Lasting

Chip seal paving can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance, while asphalt lasts about 15-20 years. The critical difference between the two paving types is that chip seal pavement doesn’t need much maintenance and upkeep as it has been specially designed with longevity factors such as moisture intrusion or traffic loads. It makes them less vulnerable than regular roadways suffering from wear & tear caused by heavy vehicles traveling.

They are less prone to cracking, even when subjected to high temperatures.

2. Weather Tolerance

Asphalt paving doesn’t offer the same level of protection against weathering and wears as chip seal paving. Since asphalt is made from bitumen, it cannot sustain extreme temperatures like concrete or stones and will wear down much faster in certain weather conditions, such as hot summers or cold winters.

It is susceptible to cracking due to its organic nature when water seeps into the surface. On the other end, the stones are physically firm, tolerating much harsher external conditions.

3. Wide Range of Alternatives and Customization

A big selling point for a chip seal is that it can be customized to match the style of your building and complement its surroundings. You can pick from various colors to find the perfect fit for your project.

Asphalt is also available in different colors and textures. There are a few ways that color can be added to the asphalt. One is by using aggregates of natural colors that will start to show hues as the binder from traffic wears away. Another way is adding iron, slag, or recycled glass during mixing, adding red, yellow, green, brown, or orange tints.

4. Curb Appeal

The stone seal pavement is made from crushed and compacted stone. It makes it both textured and unique in appearance, making it an excellent option for increasing your street’s curb appeal.

Adding texture and stamped patterns can also help add to the wow effect. Colored asphalt may also be a fantastic method to include safety into the design. Asphalt has numerous applications for both personal and commercial use. These applications provide significant value while being significantly less expensive than stamped concrete, brick, or stone pavers.

5. Little to No Maintenance

Another benefit of chip seal paving is that it requires little upkeep and sealing throughout its lifespan. It will not fracture due to water damage since the crushed stone has water removal capabilities. If heavy equipment or machinery is dragged across, there will be track marks.

6. Affordability

Potholes and cracks can be costly to repair, so why not prevent them from happening in the first place? Paver seal is often the most cost-effective alternative compared to the blacktop and other pavement overlays. It’s an excellent choice for smooth and elegant driveways without a hefty price tag and for project owners who want to stay within budget.

7. Easy Touch-ups

Chip sealing repairs tiny cracks and rough surfaces on roads that don’t require complete repaving. Chip sealing will fill gaps and smooth out uneven surfaces without requiring entire pavement resurfacing. On the other hand, repairing asphalt may require a more extensive process, from patchwork to overlaying.

8. Easy Installation

Paving with chip seal is straightforward and virtually guaranteed to meet your needs when done by a professional contractor. Moreover, you’ll be able to drive on it soon after installation, a luxury not afforded by many other types of paving.

9. Increased Skid Resistance

Chip sealing your pavement improves skid resistance and, as a result, lowers accident rates. When a car brakes suddenly on a wet road, a chip seal helps reduce braking distance. It will aid in the reduction of traffic fatalities and injuries caused each year by vehicles sliding off roadways.

10. Less Resurfacing Required

Chip sealing your pavement at the proper time will save you money in the long run by requiring less future resurfacing. The chip seal repairs small fissures and potholes on the road surface. You won’t have to pay for a long-term maintenance agreement or repave your asphalt if these little issues grow into larger ones.

11. Reduces Sound Levels by up to 50%

Among other advantages, chip seal has been shown to cut noise levels by 50%. Potholed asphalt surfaces produce more racket than chip-sealed ones.

12. Prevention of Water Penetration

One of the chief advantages of chip sealing is that it prevents water from seeping into your surface. The chip seal defends against surface water and drains it properly, lessening potholes and retaining a polished pathway for drivers.

13. Take Advantage of an Anti-Glare Surface

One of the best advantages of using a chip seal is that it eliminates glare from asphalt surfaces, making it easier on drivers’ eyes when they are behind the wheel for extended periods.

14. Cheaper than Pavement Overlays

Chip sealing is more affordable than an asphalt overlay. Consequently, chip seals are becoming increasingly popular among cities and states across America. By extending pavement life by up to 12 years, chip seals can save money in the long term.

So, which type of paving is right for you? If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting solution, chip seal paving is a great option. However, asphalt paving may be better if you want a finished, smooth, and shiny surface.

Need Chip Sealing and Asphalt Paving Services in North Port, FL?

Chip sealing is a cost-effective paving solution that can be used to fix minor asphalt problems and extend the life of your pavement. Chip sealing may be the perfect option if you want quality paving without sacrificing your budget. Contact Pickett’s Paving LLC, North Port, FL, today for a free quote on this affordable and reliable paving solution.

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