Chip seals are economical surface treatments designed to protect and prolong the lives of pavements.
In a single chip seal, an asphalt binder is sprayed on the pavement, then immediately covered by a single layer of uniformly sized chips. The new surface treatment is then rolled to seat the aggregate, and broomed to remove any loose chips. There are also variations of the technique , used for special needs. Chip seals can be used to protect new pavements, to increase skid resistance, and to prolong the life of a pavement which is structurally sound but is beginning to age and may have some surface distress. The smooth, chip sealed road surface improves riding comfort and decreases road user costs by decreasing vehicle maintenance costs, fuel costs, and traveling time.