Slurry Seal For Residential Streets and HOAs
Asphalt is the most commonly used paving material in the United States. It’s easy to lay down and maintain, and it provides a smooth surface for traffic. No wonder 94% of paved surfaces are asphalt, from highways to parking lots, and even most neighborhood streets.
Although asphalt is low maintenance, UV rays and high use start to wear on the surface over time. Small cracks develop that can lead to damage and eventually to the need for major repairs or replacement.
That’s where slurry seal comes in to extend the life of your HOA residential streets and keep them looking brand new.
What Is Slurry Seal?
Slurry seal is a mixture of asphalt, water, and aggregates like sand, gravel, and crushed stones. It is applied cold with a specially equipped truck or machine. It is sprayed in one thick layer and takes approximately four to six hours to dry. The slurry seals small cracks in the pavement and restores flexibility to the asphalt to prevent more cracking.
Why Is Slurry Seal Perfect for Neighborhood Streets?
Although neighborhoods don’t experience as much traffic as city streets or highways, they’re still subject to a lot of use, and through the years, this adds wear to the pavement. While city streets are serviced regularly, problems in neighborhood streets are more likely to be ignored. Once cracks appear in your residential street, the asphalt is susceptible to damage. Moisture and chemicals can seep into the base layer, cracks can widen, and more damage will follow.
Slurry seal is a great solution for neighborhood roads experiencing mild to moderate cracking with minimal large damage. Slurry seal can extend the life of the asphalt surface by filling small cracks and sealing it from water damage. Although slurry seal requires specialized machinery, it’s easy to apply and can be done in one day, minimizing the time a road is unavailable. It dries quickly and lasts 5 to 7 years. It also gives your street that black “like new” look.
How Much Does Slurry Seal Cost?
Slurry seal is an economical solution to mild to moderate damage on neighborhood streets. There are three types of slurry commonly used, and Type 2 slurry seal is most common for residential roads. The total cost to slurry seal a neighborhood road will depend on the total square footage, but also the amount of damage and prep work the road requires. Some larger cracks may need to be filled and the street cleaned of debris and weeds before the slurry seal can be applied. Contact us and one of our pavement professionals will provide a free estimate for your slurry seal project.
What Is The Difference Between Slurry Seal and Sealcoating?
Sometimes slurry seal is confused with sealcoating. Sealcoating is a thin liquid layer of asphalt minerals most often applied to driveways and parking lots, although it can be used on streets as well. Sealcoating is recommended for lower traffic areas. Slurry seal is perfect for neighborhood streets experiencing higher usage.
SLURRY SEAL
High-performance resurfacing treatment that provides an additional wear surface. Slurry prevents moisture and air intrusion in the pavement and improves skid resistance.
SEALCOATING
A protective coating to asphalt-based pavements to provide a layer of protection from the elements: water, oils, harmful chemicals and U.V. damage.
HEAVILY USED ROADWAYS
Best for heavily used roadways and streets where vehicles travel at high speeds, like residential areas.
5-7 YEARS
Lasts 5 – 7 years depending on weather & traffic
MORE EXPENSIVE
Normally costs twice (x2) the amount of seal coat as it requires specialized equipment and applicator
THICK MIXTURE
A mixture of water, asphalt, large aggregate, and additives to an existing pavement surface
ROUGH TEXTURE
Provides a tougher surface that can withstand heavier and more constant traffic loads
4-6 HOURS TO DRIVE TIME
Ambient temperature, direct sunlight, humidity, and intended usage influence the time needed to open to traffic
LOW SPEED AREAS
Best for low speed and traffic areas such as parking lots and driveways
3-5 YEARS
Lasts 3-5 years depending on weather & traffic
LESS EXPENSIVE
Less expensive than slurry seal, easy to applicate
THIN MIXTURE
An emulsion containing liquid asphalt, mineral fillers and other anti-oxidation additives
SMOOTH FINISH
Helps to even out rough surfaces
2-4 HOURS TO DRIVE TIME
Ambient temperature, direct sunlight, humidity, and intended usage influence the time needed to open to traffic
Cost effective repair strategy for mild to moderate damage
Quick application process
Adds skid resistance and durability
Extends the life of pavement five to seven years
Adds a fresh look to pavement