Slurry Seal & Micro Surfacing

Slurry seal is used to correct minor defects in pavement such as halts, raveling, loss of matrix, or skid resistance to extend the life of the pavement. Slurry Seal also gives pavement a uniform color and texture, restores lost flexibility, and provides waterproofing to prevent further deterioration of the surface and the underlying pavement structure.

Only if it contains coal tar, a known carcinogen banned in many cities and states across the country.

Slurry seal is a cold mix pavement coating consisting of fine crushed aggregate, emulsified asphalt, additives, and water.

No. Slurry seal is used to protect and enhance the value of asphalt surfaces.

Apply a slurry seal if your pavement surface has minor defects but is still structurally sound. Slurry seal should be applied when both the pavement and air temperature are above 45°F and rising. Hold off on application if rain is imminent or if there is a possibility of freezing temperatures within 24 hours of application.

Slurry seal is actually considered a type of asphalt resurfacing treatment, but the process is a bit different from traditional resurfacing. Standard resurfacing typically involves adding a new layer of hot-mix asphalt over the existing pavement surface to restore structure and strength. In contrast, a slurry seal application is a cold-mix process that combines fine aggregate, asphalt emulsion, water, and other additives to create a protective wearing surface. While slurry seal doesn’t provide the same structural value as a full resurfacing project, it is an economical way to extend pavement life, improve surface texture, and seal minor cracks before they worsen.

Yes. Slurry seal is applied using a purposely built truck, generally referred to as a “slurry truck.” A slurry truck contains different compartments which hold the aggregate, water, polymer modified emulsion, and other additives that are mixed in the on-board mixer. Trained operators continually monitor the automatic mixing procedure. The slurry mixture flows out of the rear of the truck and onto the pavement within the confines of a spreader box attached to the rear of the truck. The box is capable of spreading the slurry seal over the width of a traffic lane in a single pass and is constructed so that close contact with the existing surface is maintained.

The best solution depends on the condition of the pavement. Slurry seal is used to correct minor defects and is laid at a one-stone thickness. Micro-surfacing is used to correct moderate to severe defects. The addition of better quality aggregates and advanced emulsifiers make for a more stable product that can be applied in multi-stone thickness.

Yes. During the slurry seal application process, trained personnel use squeegees to manage placement and ensure the mixture does not cover areas like curbs or utility covers. If slurry seal is misplaced on the existing surface or overlaps unintended areas, it can be removed while still fresh. In addition, slurry material can be carefully washed off vehicles or surfaces if needed. Proper placement, equipment, and crew training help minimize cleanup during this type of surface treatment.