What is Chip Seal?

Chip Seal is a coating of hot emulsified oil that is sprayed at a specific distribution rate, followed by a layer of chipped rock spread over the top.

What are the conditions needed to Chip Seal?

Chip Seal is most effective under the following conditions:

• Temperature: 50 degrees Fahrenheit and rising.
• Cloud Cover: None.
• Wind Speed: 10 mph or less.
• Weather: Sunny or mostly sunny days to facilitate oil curing.

What personnel are required for Chip Seal ?

To carry out Chip Seal effectively, a dedicated team is needed, comprising the following roles:

• Operators: Run the chip spreader and load trucks.
• Truck Drivers: Transport chips to the chip spreader.
• Roller Operators: Compact chipped rock into the hot oil.
• Flaggers: Control traffic, ensuring team safety and managing flow.
• Cover Crew: Cover and uncover manholes and water valve lids for future access.
• Supervisors: Provide guidance, document project aspects, and address issues as they arise.

How quickly are the chips spread?

The chips are spread at a rate of 18 lbs per square yard, covering approximately 600 feet per minute.

Do we Chip Seal cul-de-sacs?

Cul-de-sacs and radius areas are addressed after completing the main streets. This approach ensures efficiency and cost savings for taxpayers. Please be patient, as we will return to complete these areas as soon as possible.

Why do we Chip Seal instead of repave?

New asphalt is designed to be sealed for longevity (similar to how business parking lots apply a product to restore its black appearance). Chip sealing utilizes binder oil and rock to effectively seal the road surface, significantly extending its lifespan. A chip-sealed road can last between 50 and 80 years, while an unsealed road would typically last no more than 20 years.

What the purpose of Chip Sealing?

Chip Sealing serves two primary purposes:

• Lifespan Extension: It significantly prolongs the life of roads.
• Enhanced Winter Driving: The process provides an additional surface layer, contributing to improved road conditions during winter.

If street parking is unavailable at my residence, where can I park?

Call and request permission to park in a public parking lot, gas station, etc.

What is the significance of a "No Parking" sign being posted?

This indicates that we will be in your area within 24-48 hours, and vehicles in violation will be towed at the owner’s expense.

How soon can we use the road again?

You can resume using the road immediately after the crew has passed through with the rollers.

When will sweeping commence?

Please be patient as the sweeping process takes time. Rest assured, we will sweep all areas where chip sealing has been performed.

What is the difference between fog seal and slurry seal?

• Fog Seal: A thin, black coating primarily for aesthetics, aimed at retaining more rock. However, we don't use it due to its high cost relative to its rock retention benefits.
• Slurry Seal: A thicker application with added materials to enhance road durability. It maintains a black appearance for aesthetic purposes while contributing to the road's longevity.

Why do we chip new areas/neighborhoods?

For efficiency, we aim to complete entire sections at once. If we don't, we may be in a different area when that section needs maintenance (approximately every 7 years).

Are tarps necessary on the dump trucks that are hauling the chips?

Tarps are not required if the chips are 6 inches below the edge of the bed.

If I receive a "No Parking" sign on a Friday, when will the chip sealing take place?

If you receive a "No Parking" sign on a Friday, chip sealing in your area is scheduled for the following Monday.

What about Downtown? When can I expect chip sealing if no parking signs are placed on a Friday?

For Downtown areas, "No Parking" signs will be placed on Mondays, and chip sealing is scheduled to occur on the subsequent Tuesday.