Category: Slurry Sealing

As a commercial property owner or manager, you know that proper maintenance is key when it comes to protecting the investment in your property. One essential component of keeping your pavement surfaces looking their best is asphalt slurry sealing. This specially formulated coating helps improve the durability, longevity and performance of your asphalt paving surfaces—all important considerations for any business budget!

But what exactly is asphalt slurry sealing? In this blog post, we’ll break down this process in greater detail so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not asphalt slurry sealing would benefit your business.

Understanding the Basics of Asphalt Slurry Sealing

Asphalt slurry sealing is one of the most effective ways to maintain and extend the life of pavement surfaces. This cost-effective technique involves the application of a thin layer of slurry, which is a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, and other materials such as aggregates and polymer additives.

By filling in cracks and small voids, slurry seals prevent water from penetrating the surface and causing further damage. They also enhance the skid resistance of the pavement, reducing the risk of accidents. Despite its numerous benefits, many people are not familiar with slurry sealing and its uses. Therefore, understanding the basics of asphalt slurry sealing can help you make informed decisions about maintaining your pavement surfaces.

The Importance of Asphalt Slurry Sealing

Asphalt slurry sealing is a crucial aspect of maintaining parking lots and roads. Slurry sealing helps to protect the pavement from sun and water damage, while also filling surface cracks that can lead to bigger problems down the road. Additionally, slurry sealing can improve the aesthetics of a paved surface, making it look newer and more polished.

While slurry sealing is an important step in pavement maintenance, it’s essential to have it performed by professionals who have the right equipment and experience to ensure a successful outcome.

The Asphalt Slurry Sealing Process

The asphalt slurry sealing process is a cost-effective and long-lasting method of extending the life of asphalt pavement. This process involves the application of a mixture of asphalt emulsion, aggregate, water, and additives to the surface of an asphalt surface. The mixture is then spread evenly and compacted to form a new, durable layer.

Slurry sealing not only improves the appearance of the pavement but also provides protection against weathering, oxidation, and other environmental factors. Moreover, this process can be completed quickly, requiring minimal traffic disruption. Overall, the asphalt slurry sealing process is a smart investment for any property owner looking to maintain their pavement’s quality and extend its lifespan.

How Often Do You Need to Slurry Seal Your Asphalt Surface?

Asphalt surfaces require regular maintenance to prolong their life and keep them looking their best. A single slurry seal is not going to cut it for several decades. With that said, several factors can influence the amount of time your slurry seal remains effective. These factors include the amount of traffic your surface receives, the climate in your region, and the condition of the pavement.

Generally, we recommend slurry sealing every six to ten years, though more frequent sealing may be necessary in high-traffic areas or extreme weather conditions.

The Benefits of Asphalt Slurry Sealing

Asphalt slurry sealing is a cost-effective and long-lasting solution for maintaining and improving the quality of roads and parking lots. The slurry seal is a protective layer that guards your asphalt against damage caused by weather, traffic, and other external factors.

Compared to other pavement maintenance methods, slurry sealing is quick to apply, requires minimal preparation, and can extend the lifespan of an asphalt surface by up to ten years. Additionally, it is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, making it a safe option for both workers and the local community.

Asphalt slurry sealing is a reliable and efficient choice for maintaining the safety and appearance of your pavement in the long term.

The Importance of Working with a Professional

While there are DIY slurry sealing options available, hiring a professional asphalt paving and sealing company is crucial. A reputable company has the experience, equipment, and expertise necessary to ensure quality workmanship and excellent results.

They will also use high-quality materials, which can withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy traffic, and other environmental factors. Therefore, if you want your asphalt pavement to last long and look great, consider hiring a professional paving and sealing company to slurry seal it.

Slurry sealing your roads or parking lot is an excellent way to protect and improve the condition of your asphalt. Not only does it provide superior protection from water penetration and the eventual formation of structural deficiencies, but it also age-proofs your parking lot by resisting UV rays. Plus, slurry seal’s simple application process and smooth, attractive finish will have you feeling confident about your asphalt for years to come.

In addition to improving the longevity of your pavement surface, it could also help to maintain its original appeal. For all these reasons, slurry sealing is an ideal solution when it comes to preserving your asphalt surface. If you’re looking for professional slurry sealing services that are reliable and affordable, contact South Central Sealing & Paving today!

As a business owner or building manager, you understand how critical it is to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to pavement maintenance. Not only does it play a crucial role in preventing your pavement from deteriorating to the point where major reconstruction is required, but it also ensures the exterior of your business remains aesthetically pleasing for your visitors.

As asphalt ages and deteriorates, the treatment changes, resulting in higher treatment and repair costs. Luckily, microsurfacing and slurry sealing are pavement resurfacing techniques that can extend the life of your asphalt without breaking your budget. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the differences between microsurfacing and slurry sealing and examine the various advantages that each resurfacing option provides.

Keep reading to learn more and find out why South Central Sealing & Paving is Wichita’s top choice for high-quality asphalt maintenance services.

What Is Slurry Sealing?

Slurry sealing is a surface treatment application that is a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, aggregate, and chemical additives. Per its name, slurry refers to the combined mixture of the emulsion and aggregates, while the “seal” refers to the application of this mixture to existing pavement, which is intended to seal the pavement surface.

Slurry seals are classified into three types.

Type I: Fine aggregates with diameters less than 2.36mm, commonly used in low-traffic areas, such as bicycle paths and walkways.

Type II: Aggregate particles with maximum diameters of 6.4mm, often used to repair raveling and other more advanced states of wear commonly found on residential roadways.

Type III: Coarse aggregate chunks, commonly used on roadways with high traffic volume, such as highways, to compensate for more severe surface imperfections, fill surface depressions, and reduce the amount of water ponding.

Slurry sealing applications are designed to seal cracks, correct minor flaws, restore lost flexibility to the surface, and provide a deep, rich black pavement color while preserving the appearance of the existing pavement. It is most commonly used on surfaces that are in poor condition, as it can help to extend the life of the surface and improve its appearance.

Slurry sealing is typically applied on an intermittent or cyclical basis, and surfaces selected for slurry seal applications have low to moderate distress and narrow crack width. As a result, slurry sealing is most commonly used on residential streets, and cyclical applications would be applied every five to seven years.

While the application technique is similar to microsurfacing, slurry sealing is applied in a single layer that is typically 12 to 14 inches thick. Although slurry sealing has no structural benefit for the pavement, it is a very cost-effective treatment option, making it an excellent choice for low-budget projects.

What Is Microsurfacing?

Microsurfacing, like slurry sealing, is a slurry mixture of emulsified asphalt, water, fine aggregate, and mineral filler. However, unlike slurry sealing, microsurfacing typically uses a polymer-modified asphalt emulsion, which improves mixture properties and provides greater flexibility than a traditional asphalt binder.

While it is primarily used to reduce raveling and oxidation on asphalt pavement surfaces, microsurfacing also improves friction and appearance on both asphalt and concrete surfaces. Microsurfacing with larger aggregate can also be used for filling shallow to moderate depth ruts in asphalt pavement and sealing low-severity cracks. 

Microsurfacing is commonly used on an as-needed, project-specific basis to preserve and protect the underlying pavement structure while providing a new surface. Location, weather, traffic, and surface conditions are all considered when deciding whether or not to use microsurfacing.

In most instances, surfaces chosen for microsurfacing treatment have mild to moderate distress, no rutting, and generally narrow crack widths. As a result, microsurfacing is typically used on high traffic volume roadways and is often suggested to be treated every five to seven years.

What Are the Major Differences Between Microsurfacing and Slurry Sealing?

Microsurfacing and slurry sealing are both excellent options for keeping your asphalt surface in the best condition possible. However, the primary distinction between the two surface treatment options is that microsurfacing is a preventative measure that will help delay the need for a complete replacement, whereas slurry sealing is more reactive and will help repair any damage that has already been done.

While slurry sealing relies heavily upon the sun and low humidity to evaporate the water in the emulsion, the asphalt emulsion used in microsurfacing contains chemical additives that force water out, allowing it to break without requiring low humidity or evaporation from the sun and heat.

Microsurfacing is quicker than slurry sealing, which means it can be used when conditions would not allow slurry sealing to be placed successfully. Furthermore, the polymers used in microsurfacing make it exceptionally good at resisting power steering tears and shedding the small aggregate.

What Are the Advantages of Microsurfacing and Slurry Sealing?

Slurry sealing and microsurfacing are cost-effective surface treatment options suitable for various asphalt pavement types experiencing various levels of damage. However, choosing the best choice for your needs can help you save time, money, and stress in the long run.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of microsurfacing and slurry sealing.

Slurry Sealing

Cost-Effective: Slurry sealing is inexpensive to install and extremely cost-effective to use.

Aesthetic Value: Slurry sealing gives a new wearing surface of uniform black color or texture, increasing property value and marketing potential and giving it an eye-catching appearance.

Variety of Uses: With a single application, slurry sealing can correct existing distress in various surfaces and provide an all-weather, long-lasting surface.

Microsurfacing

Easy to Apply: Due to the thin depth of microsurfacing, no milling or extensive utility adjustments are required, thereby lowering costs even further.

Environmentally Friendly: When compared to traditional resurfacing methods, microsurfacing reduces greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 44%, energy consumption by nearly 54%, and raw material by 35% or more.

Increases Asphalt Lifespan: When compared to traditional resurfacing methods, microsurfacing can add between 6 to 8 years of life to your asphalt’s surface.

Choose South Central for the Best Asphalt Sealing and Repair Services in Wichita

When looking for cost-effective ways to maintain your asphalt pavement, resurfacing is critical to extending its overall lifespan. As a result, understanding your options can help you make the best decision for your business. If your asphalt needs professional attention, South Central Sealing & Paving should be your first choice.

At South Central Sealing & Paving, we’re proud to offer a wide range of asphalt maintenance services, including slurry sealing and sealcoating, pothole repair, and more. We deliver high-quality solutions that our customers can afford, and we adhere to strict manufacturer specifications to ensure a longer-lasting final product.

For more than 30 years, we’ve been Wichita’s number one choice for professional asphalt repair and maintenance, and we can’t wait to learn more about how we can assist you.

If you would like to learn more about our extensive asphalt maintenance services and speak with one of our specialists, give us a call at (316) 613-0192.

Asphalt is a highly durable paving material with a lifespan of roughly twenty years or more. Despite its inherent strength and stability, asphalt is susceptible to damage if not adequately protected. In fact, extensive water and UV exposure can cause the surface to oxidize, making it more prone to structural issues.

When it comes to repairing your commercial parking lot, it’s essential to know your sealing options and the differences between slurry seal and seal coat. While slurry and seal coat are preventative maintenance solutions that help your asphalt last longer, there are several key differences to be aware of.

While any professional contractor should be able to explain the advantages of both, this article will lay out some of the fundamental differences between a slurry seal and seal coat and the benefits of each to help you make the best decision for your property. Continue reading below to learn more and find out why South Central Sealing & Paving is Wichita’s number one choice for high-quality asphalt maintenance services.

The Differences Between Slurry Seal and Seal Coat

The two main components of any asphalt surface are crushed gravel aggregate and a sticky asphalt binder made from petroleum derivatives. When heated, the asphalt binder becomes semi-fluid, making it easier to spread. However, as the paving cures, the binder thickens, effectively locking the aggregate chunks into a stable matrix.

Even though asphalt binder continues to evolve, oxidation caused by environmental exposure weakens the binder, making it more prone to damage. As a result, the asphalt loses much of its water resistance resulting in cracks, potholes, raveling, and shoving beginning to show.

However, preventative maintenance solutions such as slurry seals and seal coat are designed to protect the asphalt by applying a protective layer of material to the surface. These solutions make the asphalt more waterproof and protect it from harmful environmental factors.

So, what’s the difference between slurry seal and seal coat? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Seal Coat?

Seal coating is a preventive maintenance solution that involves applying a protective layer of material to an asphalt pavement surface to keep it waterproof and protect it against damage caused by weather, oxidation, and normal wear and tear.

Seal coat also keeps vehicle fluids from entering and damaging the pavement’s interior structure and improves the aesthetics of asphalt by restoring its lustrous black appearance. As a result, seal coat is one of the most commonly available asphalt-protection methods for commercial properties looking to revitalize their asphalt surfaces.

There are two common types of seal coat: those made from coal tar and those made from asphalt emulsion.

Most contractors prefer to use coal tar seal coat, as it produces more consistent results than seal coat produced from asphalt emulsion, which often varies. Although, the low cost and availability of asphalt emulsion seal coat are quickly making it the most popular selection. However, many manufacturers have started offering blended seal coat solutions containing varying proportions of coal tar and asphalt emulsion.

Seal coat can be applied by hand or with truck-mounted pressurized sprayers, depending on the size of the asphalt surface being treated. The surface must first be thoroughly cleaned to remove all traces of dirt, oil, and debris, as foreign substances will significantly reduce the seal coat’s ability to bind with the asphalt.

After applying seal coat, it should not be used for 24 to 48 hours, depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. This waiting period allows water in the seal coat to evaporate, leaving a sealer film behind.

Curing time can range from several hours to several days, depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. As a result, many contractors recommend applying seal coat during warmer, drier months for optimal curing rates and reapplying the solution every 2 to 3 years.

What Is Slurry Seal?

Slurry seal is a process of using asphalt emulsion, water, aggregate, mineral filler, and other additives to create a preventive maintenance solution that resurfaces an existing asphalt pavement that has begun to show signs of aging. Slurry seal is an excellent commercial-grade treatment alternative for asphalt with minor cracking. It fills in and conceals the cracks and is commonly used on city streets, parking lots, and industrial parks.

Slurry seal coatings are applied with a specialized slurry truck that mixes all of the components before spreading them over the road or parking lot surface. To keep costs low, slurry seal is typically recycled from old roads or parking lots and mixed with clean water before reapplying.

Slurry-sealed asphalt surfaces have a rich black color and a durable, slip-resistant surface that protects the underlying asphalt. Slurry seal also fills cracks and restores lost flexibility.

When you use a slurry seal on your parking lot, you can get a better aesthetic, a safer driving surface, and a longer lifespan out of your asphalt. Slurry surfaces are also simple to maintain and less prone to cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles. And on top of that, they won’t present many issues with gas and oil penetration as a result of leaks, so your business’s exterior will look aesthetically pleasing.

Slurry seals are classified into three types based on the size of the aggregate they contain:

Type I: Fine aggregates with diameters less than 2.36mm, commonly used in low-traffic areas such as parking lots.
Type II: Aggregate particles with maximum diameters of 6.4mm, often used to repair raveling and other more advanced states of wear commonly found on busy roadways.
Type III: Coarse aggregate chunks, commonly used to compensate for more severe surface imperfections, can also fill surface depressions, reducing the amount of water ponding.

Contractors typically avoid using Type II slurry seals on parking lots because the larger aggregate pieces can cause tire scuffing as cars enter and exit spaces.

Which Is Better: Seal Coat or Slurry Seal?

While slurry seal and seal coat are very similar, causing some paving contractors to interchange the two terms, there is one compositional difference between the two types of protective coatings.
Unlike seal coat, slurry seal has one additional ingredient: aggregate.

As the binder in asphalt deteriorates, chunks of aggregate are frequently stripped from the surface. Such areas of loss cannot be compensated for by a seal coat, which can often cause small depressions to remain on the asphalt surface, providing a place for water to pool and cause havoc.

The aggregate found in slurry seal helps to fill in those small cracks and gaps and promote a more even asphalt surface while improving overall adhesion and integration with the existing pavement. As a result, slurry seals typically outlast seal coating. Whereas contractors recommend applying seal coat to asphalt every two years, slurry seals only need to be applied every five to seven years.

Because of these reasons, South Central Sealing & Paving recommends slurry sealing over seal coating.

Choose South Central Sealing & Paving for High-Quality Asphalt Maintenance Services

When your asphalt surface needs restoration, it’s crucial that your contractor takes into account the type of asphalt being treated, its overall condition, and the general traffic flow and type of traffic your asphalt receives.

Regardless of the solution you choose, either option will need to be reapplied multiple times in the future. Still, maintenance is easier and less demanding when done correctly the first time by a team of professionals.

South Central Sealing & Paving is proud to be Wichita’s #1 asphalt parking lot sealing and repair company. With more than 30 years of expertise, our team of asphalt maintenance experts understands what it takes to deliver high-quality solutions on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to your business.

We proudly specialize in a wide variety of asphalt maintenance services, such as crack and joint sealing, slurry sealing, pothole repair, and more, and abide by strict manufacturer specifications to ensure a final product that lasts longer.

Contact the asphalt maintenance experts at South Central Sealing & Paving today to learn more about which type of seal is best for your asphalt and how our asphalt paving and parking lot maintenance services can assist you.