Chip sealed roads are lighter in color than fog sealed roads. Fog seals and chip seals are placed on roads that still have enough structural strength to withstand the weight of traffic. For deteriorating roads that are losing this strength, more extensive resurfacing is required. Sun, heat, and vehicle loads can break down roads, but the biggest enemy of a road is water. When water gets underneath the pavement, the road becomes weaker.
Small potholes grow into large potholes very quickly.
Surface treatments are important because they help keep the water out. Resurfacing can include a paving fabric if needed, depending on the condition of the old asphalt. AC is applied in varying thicknesses, determined by how much the road has deteriorated and traffic loads. Each increment of thickness makes the road stronger. The cost is higher for each inch of asphalt needed.