How Long Does a Chip Seal in Midland TX Last?

A chip seal in Midland TX is an excellent choice for roads and driveways with reduced vehicle traffic, but which require some type of lightweight paving versus gravel or dirt roads. A chip seal might also be applied over a layer of asphalt, for added durability and water resistance and to fill in minor cracks and other damage.

While a tar and chip in Midland TX process is a great choice for driveways and rural roads, it’s still not quite as durable as concrete and other paving materials, typically lasting some 7 to 10 years before it needs repairs or replacement. It’s overall durability depends on weather conditions, traffic, and a few other vital factors. To ensure you make the right choice for your asphalt installation in Midland Texas, note some of those factors here as well as a bit more detailed information about tar and chip processes.

What Is a Chip Seal in Midland TX?

A chip seal for a Midland TX property uses the same materials as asphalt, including a heated liquid asphalt and aggregates, or chips. The difference between the two is the installation process; asphalt is combined and mixed together and then spread onto a surface, then pressed into place.

A chip seal starts with the application or spray of the hot liquid asphalt, and then chips or aggregates are spread onto this liquid before it can dry. The chips are also pressed into place. In some cases, a surface sealant or layer is added over this, called a fog seal, for more protection and a smoother finish.

Why Choose a Chip Seal for Midland TX Properties

While a chip and seal surface isn’t as durable as concrete or standard asphalt, it does offer many benefits over gravel or dirt roads. One vital advantage of a chip and seal pavement is that the chips are pressed into the liquid asphalt, which then dries over them. In turn, these chips are less likely to get picked up and thrown by spinning tires, reducing damage to vehicles, motorcycles, bikes, and the like.

The solid surface of a chip seal in Midland TX also means added traction for vehicles and bicycles, reducing skidding and the risk of collisions. A chip seal surface also blocks rainwater, keeping the ground under it dry so there is less mud on the road as well as less risk of sinkholes or potholes forming.

A tar and chip driveway in Midland TX is also much more attractive than a dirt or gravel surface! Chips or aggregates are often available in a wide range of color tones and sizes, so your driveway can coordinate with your home’s color and style quite easily. A tar and chip driveway might even be more attractive than plain, gray concrete!

Note, too, that it’s often easier to maintain a tar and chip driveway in Midland TX than gravel driveways or loose stones. You typically don’t need to keep sweeping aggregate from a tar and chip driveway off your lawn and back onto the driveway as you often do with gravel, and don’t need to continuously replenish gravel either. Weeds are also not likely to grow through a tar and chip driveway, ensuring a more attractive look on your property.

Advantages of a Tar and Chip Versus Asphalt Installation in Midland TX

Asphalt installation in Midland TX offers many advantages over concrete, including its overall affordability and added traction. Dark asphalt also cuts down on glare under the bright Texas sun, also reducing the risk of traffic accidents and collisions. Bumpy asphalt also encourages water runoff, so your property or roadway is at less risk of water damage, flooding, and the formation of ice.

However, a tar and chip driveway in Midland TX or chip seal roadway also has some advantages over asphalt. One is its price, as tar and chip is typically even cheaper than asphalt! A tar and chip surface is also quick to install, so you can often drive over that surface the same day it’s applied. This is a vital consideration for roads you don’t want to close and busy families who need to access their driveway every day.

Can You Apply a Chip Seal in Midland TX Over Asphalt?

While asphalt installation in Midland TX typically lasts for years before needing repairs, asphalt can and will develop eventual chips, cracks, spalling, potholes, and other damage. Large cracks, broken chunks of asphalt, and potholes need more serious repairs than a chip seal offers, but a tar and chip might cover small cracks and other unsightly areas.

Note, too, that a chip seal can create a more uniform surface for asphalt, providing a fresh color ready for stripes, parking lines, and other markings. Fresh asphalt color also reduces glare for drivers, an important consideration in Midland, Texas!

Chip sealants also provide added protection against water damage as well as exposure to harsh sunlight and other weather elements, preventing early wear and tear on asphalt. Investing in a chip seal coating is an excellent way to make your asphalt installation in Midland TX last as long as possible!

Quick Tips for Maintaining New Asphalt Installation in Midland TX

While asphalt is an excellent choice for paving on your residential or commercial property, it does show wear and tear and damage over the years. To reduce this damage, keep the asphalt cleaned properly. Motor oil and other fluids break down the binders in asphalt, leading to cracks and potholes. Hosing down asphalt in summertime also keeps it cool so it’s less likely to get brittle and then crack and chip.

Seal coating also provides added protection for asphalt installation in Midland TX. This coating protects asphalt from sun and rain exposure as well as corrosive elements such as snow clearing salt, lawn care chemicals, and the like.

A regular chip seal in Midland TX is also an excellent choice for keeping asphalt in good repair, as said. You might also extend the life of your asphalt driveway or roadway, so you need to face new asphalt installation costs in Midland TX far less often when you cover that asphalt with a tar and chip sealant.