It’s another wonderful afternoon here on the Sunrise Asphalt blog, at least when we’re writing it, and it is high time we took a look at one of our other key services! We talk a lot about potholes and the best way to get them repaired but you know what can help prevent those in the first place? Slurry Seal, this time on the blog.
Slurry Seal
An example of a slurry seal job.
What is Slurry Seal
Slurry seal is a mixture of water, aggregate (our favorite!), asphalt emulsion, and other additives. To put it in layman’s terms, this sort of an asphalt ‘lite’ type of material. This mixture is then applied to existing asphalt. The most common type used by us at Sunrise Asphalt is Type II Slurry Seal. It’s a cold mixed pavement treatment we most frequently use on city streets, industrial parks, and parking lots.
When to Use Slurry Seal
Slurry seal has a very specific purpose, to smooth out asphalt that has lost some of its… well, smoothness. Over time and with much wear and tear, asphalt can lose the sand and aggregate that makes the surface solid. This change in appearance is called ‘raveling’ and represents a huge weakness in the integrity of the asphalt surface. These weaknesses will then create huge potential for potholes to develop! Slurry seal is a method of repairing damaged roads. Using slurry seal will put more aggregate into the asphalt, refilling the cracks, and giving back that dark black color and smoothness.
How Slurry Seal Works
Slurry seal is applied using a truck built specifically made to lay it. Guess what it’s called… that’s right a ‘slurry truck’! We like to keep it simple and clear in the asphalt biz! The cold mix slurry seal is laid from the truck and then smoothed using squeegees to make sure it is spread evenly. The adhesive mix is spread over the surface, penetrating the cracks and then, after 4 to 6 hours give or take, binding the asphalt together.
Is Slurry Seal Just Seal Coat?
‘So, wait, their both seals… are they the same?’ Good question! While they are both sealing options for the asphalt they are used in a different capacity and for different purposes! While a seal coat lasts 3 to 5 years, slurry seal lasts 8 to 10! Slurry seal is a resurfacing material to repair the degraded asphalt surface while a seal coat is specifically applied to sturdy asphalt and adds a layer of protection and help prevent that raveling in the first place. Seal coat protects against UV damage and moisture from getting into the asphalt.
Slurry seal can also cost more than a seal coat, for obvious reason, they do different jobs! A seal coat is a simple layer that’s just sprayed, spread and it goes to work. Slurry seal is a more involved process for roads needing more serious repair.
Has your road lost its structure? Looking a little ragged? Give us a call, and we can come out and plan a road rejuvenation strategy! Whether we need to first do a crack filling or larger repair, slurry seal or a whole new stretch of pavement Sunrise Asphalt is your partner in asphalt creation and care! We’ll see you next time on the blog!
