What is Chip Seal Driveway? Affordable Alternative to Asphalt/Concrete

The traditional driveways are made of concrete, gravel, or asphalt. But there is another driveway, which is called a chip seal driveway. It is also popular with some users.

The name “chip sealer” has a significant meaning. The term “chip” refers to small rocks. A chip-sealed driveway is an alternative to concrete and asphalt driveways. It’s a low-cost driveway that’s both affordable and popular.

Contents

What is a chip seal driveway?

A chip seal driveway consists of two different layers. The first one is made of an application of asphalt emulsion. This layer is a must for the chip seal, like the other available asphalt driveways.

The second layer of this driveway is made of crushed rock. This is an extra layer to the asphalt-made main layer, which increases the power of the sealer.

People apply chip seals to their driveways to save money. Since its construction cost is lower than asphalt and concrete, a chip-sealed driveway can save money.

How long does a chip-sealed driveway last?

The lifetime of a chip seal driveway is lower than an asphalt or concrete driveway. The chip seal driveway lasts for about ten to fifteen years. But the concrete and asphalt driveways have more longevity. A concrete driveway can last for about 20 years, and an asphalt driveway can last for twenty-five to thirty years.

The asphalt driveways are the most popular for their longevity. However, chip seal driveways meet the needs of users who want to get good value for their money.

How to extend the longevity of chip-sealed driveway?

The lifespan of a chip-sealed driveway is less than that of an asphalt or concrete driveway. However, there is a method for applying a chip seal to a driveway that will extend its life.

If you apply the chip seal at the right time on the pavement, it will provide you with a double life. Even so, the lifetime can reach 15 to 30 years.

What are the advantages of a chip-sealed driveway?

Chip-seal driveways are popular for a variety of reasons.

Cost reduction

If you want to reduce the sealing cost, you have to apply a chip sealing process to your driveway. Even so, the chip-sealing process can save you up to 50%. So it is obvious that if you make it, you can go a long way for the same price.

Attractive outlook

The chipped and sealed driveways can represent various colors depending on the stone chosen. So, you can easily choose the best color according to your preference and select which color will be adjusted to the surroundings. People mostly use the chip seal driveway for its attractiveness.

Asphalt sealers are only black as it is mixed with the tar. If you are not a black lover, you must select a chip-sealed driveway for your home.

Maintaining the roads with gravel

Some roads have some gravel, and they become loose in the winter. It is a problematic situation for the drivers because the gravel freezes in the winter months and is washed away in the rainy seasons. But if the drivers ride on a driveway that includes chip seals, they will get rid of the problem. The gravel will not move, although heavy rainfall happens.

Less heat retention

Less heat retention from the sun is another good feature that is included in a chip-sealed driveway. So, the surrounding area of the driveway can be cool even in hot weather.

The chip seal driveway is almost free of all maintenance costs. If you do not repair the sealer at any time, it may go on for 7 to 10 years.

Bottom Lines

Persons who like beauty and simplicity can choose a chip-sealed driveway. The driveway provides a rural and natural look. Several advantages of chip seal driveways, on the other hand, easily demonstrate that they can compete with concrete and asphalt driveways.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top