You probably have noticed certain parts of Kolb Road covered in shiny gravel that looks kind of freshly armored. Did you check that chipseal on your HOA’s maintenance list and thought to yourself, “What even is this thing? We’ll now explain to you exactly what you’re seeing.

We at Sunrise Asphalt have 40 years of experience fixing Tucson’s driveways and parking lots. We know this stuff from the inside out. But if you wish to protect your investment with regular asphalt maintenance, we’re game! We will give you a good breakdown of what chip seals are, why we use them, and how they compare to other pavement-making materials.

What is Chipseal?

The performance of your asphalt pavement depends on how strong the asphalt–aggregate adhesion is in chip seals. When you want to give your exhausted & wrinkled driveway a new skin (without ripping it all up), we call it chip sealing. Here’s how it works:

  • We’ll spray a sticky layer of liquid asphalt on it (think of it like warm tar that just hasn’t hardened yet)
  • Next, we’ll dump clean gravel chips on top of it
  • Heavy rollers will squish those chips right into the asphalt
  • These chips are locked into your pavement
  • Wait for a day or two (curing), and we’ll sweep off all the loose pebbles

Your pavement now has a brand-new look. Like a protective shield that looks sharp as ever and may last several years. So, what is bitumen? Some people don’t understand what this term means or where it comes from! Well, bitumen is the binder of your asphalt pavements; asphalt is derived from bitumen, while bitumen comes from crude oil distillation.

We at Sunrise Asphalt have chip-sealed everything from Sahuarita ranches to small midtown businesses. We understand the pros and cons of tar-and-chip driveways very deeply!

Why Tucson Homeowners Love a Chipseal Pavement

Blocks Water, Saves Your Base

Monsoon rains can pour through even the tiniest cracks in asphalt. This water will erode the gravel base underneath the asphalt and cause sinkholes to appear. Chip sealing will create a tight, waterproof layer over the asphalt that seals all these gaps & cracks.

Lasts Long, Increases in Value

The preventative maintenance role of chip seals is well-documented in research papers. But this method is also very cost-effective.

If you keep adding sealcoating every 3 years, you can push the age of your driveway to 15 years or more. Durability without the usual high price tag!

Improves Grip When Roads Get Wet

You get a rough texture with angular gravel chips. Your tires grip better during sudden flash floods. That’s why we believe that chipseals are a safer option than smooth sealcoating. If you want a fresh black-and-gravel look, you should choose chip seals. Chipsealing beats the faded and gray appearance of your old asphalt.

Handles Heat & Heavy Use

Let’s not forget how Tucson’s intense UV rays make asphalt grow old twice as fast as it does in milder climates. Chip sealing will reflect sunlight and resist oxidation. You’ll get a tough gravel layer that can stand up to heat expansion like a brave warrior.

If your RV driveway or commercial parking lot handles heavy traffic (like trucks), you can use chip seals to make sure it doesn’t ravel or crumble that easily. We at Sunrise Asphalt know for a fact (thanks to our hands-on experience) how Arizona weather affects the installation & maintenance of asphalt. We can prolong the lifespan of your driveway.

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Chipseal vs. Your Other Options

If you choose sealcoating, you’ll get a slick black finish. Sealcoating will cost you less than chip seals. But this method doesn’t have that level of durability (perfect for low-traffic and residential roads). Slurry seal gives you a smoother chips-in-mud kind of pavement, which is okay for bikes and pedestrians.

If you choose microsurfacing, this method will fill the cracks in your pavement. But if there’s heavy wear & tear, you might have to pay more for it in the end. That’s why it’s better to consult with professionals before investing.

Want to Learn How to Chip Seal Your Own Driveway

If your heart is set on chipseal, you should realize that this method finds its usage in many areas in the Treasure Valley. They’re big fans of this fresh coating of oil and rock, since it protects roads from the summer heat and makes sure they last for years to come.

Want your free chip seal evaluation? You should get in touch with us at Sunrise today. We’re your go-to source for honest paving solutions, keeping your driveways glowing!