Road Knowledge: Why Do We Chip Seal?
Page 3 – Picketts Paving LLC
April 11, 2022 at 6:32 PM
Road maintenance is no small task, and Pickett’s Paving LLC experts know that better than anyone.
In this blog post, we will briefly discuss the chip sealing process. By the time we’re done, you’ll have a basic idea of what goes into this road maintenance method and why it’s vital to keep our roads in good condition.
What’s the Deal with Chip Seal?
We promise you it doesn’t involve French fries or a bag of salt. Chip sealing is a process used to seal and protect asphalt roads from the elements. It involves spraying an asphalt emulsion over the road surface, then sprinkling on a layer of small rock chips.
In cloudy areas like Wisconsin, where the winters are freezing, and cold and the summers are warm and wet, chip sealing is essential for road maintenance. The process helps seal the road’s surface and prevents water from seeping in and damaging the asphalt. It also protects the road from fading in the sun and wearing down over time.
Why Should We Chip Seal?
In addition to its excellent road maintenance benefits, chip sealing also has significant advantages for drivers. For one, it’s just as smooth and stable as asphalt, but it’s much cheaper to repair if there’s a pothole or crack in the chip seal surface.
It’s also customizable and comes in various colors, which can make roads more aesthetically pleasing. If you’re looking to attract businesses to your town or city, chip sealing can be a great way to show that you’re taking care of your roads.
Chip sealing is much more affordable than a wholly new asphalt overlay, and it can be done relatively quickly. Moreover, it doubles the lifespan of the original asphalt. It can extend the time between pavement overlay treatments from 15 to 30 years.
Why Avoid Chip Sealing?
There’s a bad apple at the bottom of every barrel, which also applies to chip sealing. For one, not many contractors offer quality chip sealing services. If you manage to find someone to do it for you, ensure that they have a good reputation.
Bad chip sealing can cause problems, from increasing potholes to raveling and even more severe issues like rutting. Rutting is when the pavement starts to break up, which can be very dangerous for motorists. On top of that, even good chip sealing can be easily damaged by certain vehicles, like large trucks.
In addition, chip sealing demands resurfacing every 5 to 7 years, so even if you avoid the cost of a new asphalt overlay, you might not escape unscathed.
Conclusion
Now that you understand what chip sealing is and why it’s done, you’re in a better position to determine whether or not to have it done on your property.
Reach out to Pickett’s Paving LLC if you’re leaning toward getting the work done; we offer high-quality service at competitive prices in Madison, WI.
The post Road Knowledge: Why Do We Chip Seal? appeared first on Picketts Paving LLC.
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