Helps keep water out
On suitable existing pavement, the binder seals the surface and helps limit water entering the pavement structure.
TRINITY ASPHALT / SERVING ALL OF IDAHO
Material guide
Chip sealA stone finish.
A protective surface.
A layer of asphalt binder and stone chips creates a textured surface with a natural aggregate appearance.
01 / THE MATERIAL
What is
chip seal?
Chip seal is a surface treatment made by spraying asphalt binder, commonly an asphalt emulsion, then spreading small stone chips over it. Rollers press the chips into the binder, and loose excess stone is swept away after the treatment sets.
Chip seal can be applied over suitable existing pavement or a properly prepared aggregate base. The finished texture and color depend on the selected stone. Chip seal is different from hot-mix asphalt, where the stone and binder are mixed together before paving.
02 / THE BENEFITS
STONE TEXTURE. PRACTICAL PROTECTION.
A textured driving surface
The exposed stone chips add surface texture and can improve skid resistance when the treatment is properly designed and installed.
Cost-conscious preservation
When the existing pavement is suitable, a chip seal treatment can extend its useful service at a lower cost than an asphalt overlay.
A stone appearance
Visible aggregate gives the surface a more textured appearance. Its final tone depends on the stone used.
03 / YOUR PROJECT
Is it a good fit?
Chip seal can be a practical choice for driveways, access roads, and other suitable low-volume surfaces, whether surfacing a prepared base or preserving sound existing pavement.
Chip seal over base
Chip seal can be installed over a properly graded and compacted aggregate base to create a finished driving surface. The base provides the support, while the asphalt binder and stone chips form the protective surface. Preparation includes suitable drainage and a prime coat as needed to help the treatment bond to the base.
FROM OUR PROJECTS
See more of our chip seal work.
Material information: TxDOT: Surface treatments over base · Washington State Department of Transportation · Further reading
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