Road Commission of Kalamazoo County - What you need to know about Chip & Fog Seal

Updated about 18 hours ago

The Kalamazoo County Road Commission showcases the essential process of improving road surfaces through chip sealing.

Chapters

Welcome (00:00:02)
The Kalamazoo County Road Commission welcomes attendees to the guide on chip and fog seal.

Welcome to your quick guide on chip seal and fog seal, brought to you by the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County.
Explanation of Chip Seal (00:00:10)
Chip seal involves spraying asphalt emulsion, covering it with crushed stone, and rolling it to protect roads from damage.

What is Chip seal? We start by spraying the pavement with asphalt emulsion, immediately covering it with crushed stone using a chip spreader, and then rolling the stone into place. This creates a protective layer that shields the road from water, sun damage, and wear and tear. Without protection, water can seep in and freeze, causing cracks and potholes. Chip seal prevents damage before it starts.
Cost and Application of Chip Seal (00:01:15)
Chip seal is a cost-effective treatment for roads not needing major work and is applied to preserve surfaces.

We apply chip seal on roads that may need attention but are not at the point of needing a major project. It is one of the most cost-friendly treatments. We also apply chip seal one to two years after a new asphalt surface is laid to help preserve that surface even longer. By acting early, we save money on repairs such as crack filling and wedging and keep the surface in better shape longer.
Environmental and Safety Aspects (00:01:57)
Chip seal uses fewer materials and energy than full resurfacing and is safe to drive on with caution.

Chip seal is one of the most cost-effective ways to preserve our road network. It uses fewer materials and requires less energy than a full resurfacing. Fresh chip seal may look unfinished but it is completely safe to drive on. Just slow down, avoid sharp turns, and give it a few days to settle. Please don't walk barefoot or let pets walk on freshly sealed roads.