Ensuring Chip Seal Excellence for Roads and Driveways

Chip seal is a pavement surface treatment that combines a layer of liquid asphalt with crushed stone. Unlike traditional asphalt, chip seal is more cost-effective and provides a textured surface that improves traction. It’s ideal for private roads, rural areas, and subdivisions. While asphalt creates a smooth finish, chip seal is rougher but highly durable when maintained. Able Asphalt Paving uses chip seal for clients seeking a balance between performance and affordability, especially for long private roads or areas not exposed to heavy urban traffic.

When properly installed and maintained, a chip seal surface can last 7–10 years, sometimes longer in low-traffic areas. Regular maintenance, including reapplication every few years and addressing cracks early, can extend its life. The durability of chip seal makes it a great long-term solution for private roads, particularly in North Carolina’s climate. Able Asphalt ensures proper site prep and material application, which are key to maximizing the surface’s longevity.

Chip seal is best suited for light-to-moderate traffic. While it can handle occasional heavy vehicle use (such as farm or delivery trucks), constant exposure to large, heavy loads may lead to quicker wear. For private communities, farms, or estates, it offers a strong and economical solution. If your road experiences regular heavy-duty traffic, Able Asphalt may recommend reinforced options or hybrid approaches to improve durability while keeping costs manageable.

Beyond being more budget-friendly, chip seal offers excellent skid resistance, reducing the risk of slipping—especially in wet conditions. Its light color also reflects more sunlight, helping reduce heat absorption. Additionally, the surface seals small cracks and prevents water infiltration, which protects the base layer. Able Asphalt highlights chip seal as an excellent option for long roads where affordability, safety, and function are top priorities—without sacrificing performance.

Chip seal should be applied in warm, dry weather, as the asphalt emulsion needs time to cure and bind properly with the aggregate. High humidity or rain can delay application or reduce adhesion. Fortunately, Jacksonville's climate provides a generous window for installation. Able Asphalt closely monitors local forecasts and schedules projects to ensure optimal curing conditions, which helps deliver long-lasting results and minimize disruption.

Maintenance includes routine sweeping, crack filling, and re-sealing every 5–7 years. It’s also important to avoid sharp turns or spinning tires that can dislodge stones. Chip seal roads should be kept clean of organic debris to avoid damage to the binder. Able Asphalt offers ongoing maintenance services and provides clients with a detailed care plan to ensure their private road stays in top condition over time.

Most chip seal applications can be completed within 1–2 days, depending on the size of the road. Drying and curing typically require an additional 24–48 hours before full use. Compared to full asphalt paving, chip seal is much faster to install and requires less machinery. Able Asphalt coordinates efficiently with property owners or HOAs to minimize inconvenience and ensure the road is safe and accessible as soon as possible.

Loose gravel is normal immediately after installation and typically settles within a few weeks. Sweeping and light rolling help embed the stones. Some loose chips may remain at the edges or in low-traffic areas but can be addressed with follow-up sweeping. Able Asphalt uses high-quality aggregate and proper rolling techniques to ensure a smooth, durable finish with minimal ongoing displacement.

Yes, chip seal can be applied over both gravel and existing pavement, provided the base is stable and properly prepared. This makes it an excellent upgrade for rural roads or older asphalt surfaces. Gravel bases must be compacted, and paved surfaces must be clean and free from major defects. Able Asphalt evaluates the base layer carefully to ensure proper bonding and longevity.

Chip seal is considered eco-friendly because it uses fewer resources and less energy compared to traditional paving. Its reflectivity reduces heat absorption, and its ability to rejuvenate older surfaces reduces the need for total replacement. At Able Asphalt, we source high-quality, local materials and employ efficient processes to minimize environmental impact while delivering a road that performs well in both rural and suburban settings.