Driveway Appraisal – Why Chip Seal Driveways Is More Popular

Chip Seal Driveways are a new and revolutionary method for driveways constructed with interlocking pavers. They are beautiful, easy to install, cost-efficient, and require virtually no maintenance. It is important to note that these driveways are not meant for all driveways, and some do not work well. 

There are several differences between chip seal vs. asphalt seal driveway installations. The first main difference is the amount of money and time it takes to install a chip seal driveway versus an asphalt one. Macadam driveways typically have a single chip seal covering two layers, depending upon the traffic handling needs and whether it is a new drive installation or newly laid onto an existing asphalt driveway. Single-chip seal driveways generally cost approximately $2.00 per square foot to install and consist of a single layer of 3/8″ thick aggregate laid over an expanded liquid asphalt and compressed. This type of driveway has the lowest life span and should be replaced annually.

There are several additional features to consider when selecting a chip seal driveway installation. These include the climate in the area, driving and parking habits of the property, and the amount of maintenance to expect over the driveway’s life. For instance, if the area’s climate is frigid for many months of the year, the seal will not last as long as a concrete or stone color would. Also, if most of the driving is done through off-road vehicles that typically travel at higher speeds, the seal will crack and break down more often. Driving habits also play a significant role. Frequent vehicle use in heavily used areas like office parks and commercial complexes can cause wear and tear on the driveways’ surface.

There are many benefits to choosing chip sealing over an asphalt seal. For example, there are no chemical additives added to the materials, so no health concerns associated with exposure to potentially toxic compounds. These materials are low maintenance and are easy to replace when cracked, chipped, or even sawed. Moreover, they do not degrade in the presence of the sun or other environmental factors, and in many cases, they are left entirely unmaintained.

One of the benefits of chip seal and macadam stone surface material is their aesthetic appeal. They do not have the same stigma associated with poured concrete or stone that concrete and stone do. There is no need for a concrete dust mask, and it is not stained, spotted, or discolored. You can polish them to a smooth, mirror-like shine.

Another significant benefit is that they are designed for high-performance driveways. When you consider that asphalt emulsion will chip, stain, and fade over time, the seal should last for the life of the driveway and protect it from these circumstances. The high-performance aspect is achieved through the material’s physical properties. Chip sealers are denser than the average asphalt seal, forming a barrier that locks in moisture without allowing water to penetrate.

Asphalt and stone colors are also crucial for driveway installations. You will want to select colors that complement the exterior and compliment the landscape and other features of your property. You want the overall design to flow together naturally without clashes. It is also essential to ensure that the color you pick will look great when mixed with the other materials used to build your house and landscaping design.

The final reason that chip seal drives are popular is that they are less expensive than traditional concrete and asphalt. Concrete driveways can take months to finish depending on what type of prep work you need to do before installation. A stone driveway can be completed in one day and installed by a professional paving company. You can have a beautiful new driveway within a week if you choose to do it yourself. By choosing to install this paving material on your own, you save money and time and eliminate the typical hassles associated with paving.