Cracksealing & Chip Sealing
Will a street wear out?
Yes, traffic (cars and especially heavy trucks) and weather (sunshine, rain,
etc.) deteriorates the condition of a street with time. Without proper maintenance,
the negative effects (cracking and potholes) of traffic and weather will increase
with time. The result is a street with lots of cracks and potholes that when
in a vehicle rides rough. During your travels, you may have noticed a small
crack in the asphalt that grown into a pothole. Without maintenance, a street
will wear and age to a point where it has little value, and will in need of
reconstruction. Total reconstruction of a street is a timely and expensive
process when compared to an asphalt overlay. The good news is-that with Preventative
Maintenance the costly reconstruction scenario can be avoided. The City currently
uses different Preventative Maintenance options such as a crack sealing, chip
sealing, overlays and hot in-place recycling. These different techniques are
used to extend the useful life of a street in a cost-effective manner.
Crack Seal Program
Crack sealing is a preventive maintenance treatment included in the City's
Street Rehabilitation Program. Crack sealing seals pavement cracks, preventing
further deterioration of the street. Studies indicate that crack sealing programs
are cost effective in extending the life of pavement as opposed to the cost
of extensive pavement repairs for streets left unsealed.
The City's Crack Seal Program includes residential and arterial roadways.
Private contracted companies and the City Streets maintenance section will
complete the yearly crack seal projects.
Prior to the start of construction, door hangers will be distributed to all
residences informing them when construction is expected to start. Additionally,
"NO PARKING" signs will be placed at least 24 hours prior to any
work to be performed.
Chip Seal Program
Chip sealing is a preventive maintenance treatment included in the City's
Street Rehabilitation Program. This procedure rejuvenates old asphalt and
creates a new riding surface. Chip seals reduce pavement deterioration such
as potholes and extends the life of the street.
Chip sealing is the application of crushed aggregate or gravel (chips) over
an emulsified asphaltic oil. The oil seals the street from water penetration
while the chips provides a wearing surface for traffic.
Prior to the start of construction, door hangers will be distributed to all
residences informing them when construction is expected to start. Additionally,
"NO PARKING" signs will be placed at least 24 hours prior to any
work to be performed.
-->