Chip Sealing

Though asphalt paving is very popular, chip seal might be considered the original paving type, since chip sealing was used by the ancient Romans on their vast network of roads. Today, chip sealing is still a durable, attractive, and cost-effective method of paving roads, parking areas, and more. However, not every paving company has the paving experience and proper equipment to perform chip sealing.

In California, Sikes Asphalt Group is the leader in asphalt paving, and we also offer high-quality chip sealing services for clients who want a low-cost, low maintenance paving solution. If you’d like a chip seal on your property, give us a call.

Why Choose Chip Sealing

This low-cost and low maintenance paving option offers many advantages, including:

  • A rustic appearance, perfect for rural or historic settings
  • Cuts down on dust from vehicles
  • Much more stable and durable than gravel or dirt
  • Reduces soil erosion
  • Color and surface texture choices

All About Chip Seal Paving

In a nutshell, the process of chip sealing involves laying a thin layer of bitumen or asphalt and then applying fine gravel to the surface. Though the process of chip sealing is ancient, modern materials and methods have vastly improved this type of paving.

Layers of a Chip Seal

Just like asphalt, chip sealing involves building up layers of material to create the final paved surface.

  1. Soil – Soil underneath any type of pavement is graded for correct drainage.
  2. Asphalt Emulsion – Paving contractors lay down a thin layer of asphalt emulsion, the liquid petroleum product that gives blacktop its name.
  3. Chips – While the emulsion is still hot, chips of stone are applied in an even layer and then compacted so that they stick to the asphalt. After curing, the chips are locked in place.

Advantages of Chip Sealing Over Asphalt Installation

While asphalt pavement is recommended for certain types of use, like high traffic areas, chip seal can be a much better fit for several reasons, such as:

  • Faster and easier to install
  • Lower cost than asphalt
  • Less maintenance than concrete
  • Low maintenance costs compared to asphalt

Chip Seal Repairs & Maintenance

There’s not much to maintaining chip seal besides occasional sweeping if desired. Once installed, it can last for decades. There’s not much to do if your chip seal cracks, either. The surface can repair itself as the heat of summer softens asphalt and chips flow into the cracks. It can take up to 20 years for major damage, and then your trusted local paving company has chip seal repair solutions.

Sikes Asphalt Group: Chip Sealing Experts in California

We’ve been providing high-end paving services to businesses and homeowners all over California’s wine country, including Sonoma County, Napa County, and Marin County. We’ve installed chip seal on parking areas for wineries and rural roads all over the Santa Rosa CA area, keeping local drivers safe without costing property owners an arm and a leg.

For the most cost effective paving solutions using the highest quality materials, including chip sealing, contact Sikes Asphalt Group today!

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