Overlay is a process that removes the existing surface from a street and replaces it with the same thickness of asphalt. Asphalt overlays last approximately seven to ten years. It is a mixture of asphalt emulsion, fine aggregate (sand) and coarse aggregate (rocks). The purpose of the overlay is to provide a new wearing surface and protect the asphalt underneath from water damage.

Overlays are applied in passes and it typically takes several passes to complete one street. In areas where passes connect, the asphalt must be overlapped for the product to perform properly. The subject seams are the areas where the overlap is necessary.

For areas with pavement deterioration, the existing pavement is removed to a depth of 2”-4” by grinding (cold-mill) and then paved with new asphalt (overlay) to provide for a stronger pavement section.

Street sweeping will be suspended during the slurry seal process to allow for the street to properly cure. Vehicles will not be cited on street sweeping days in the areas affected by the slurry seal project.

Although a street may be opened to vehicular access after the paving process, it actually takes several months for the asphalt to completely cure. Because of this, we request that you minimize making sharp turns and turning your wheels while your car is stationary. Tire tracks and “power steering” marks are often caused by heavy trucks, RVs, and trash trucks. During hot days and the summer months, these tire tracks may become more prevalent, but will eventually flatten out over time as the asphalt cures.

Slurry seal is an oil type application of asphalt emulsion, fine aggregate (sand) and water which will be placed on top of the existing pavement. The slurry is spread over the street existing asphalt surface at approximately 3/8” thick. The purpose of the slurry is to provide a new wearing surface and protect the asphalt underneath from water damage.

This typically happens in situations of irrigation overspray or excess water in an area. The water discolors the slurry seal and brings out the cement and rock dust in the slurry mixture. Although the area may look different, the slurry seal performance will not be affected and will continue to do its job in protecting the underlying pavement from weather/moisture damage.

The slurry seal is an emulsion of oil, sand, water, latex, and rock aggregates. The sand and rock aggregates give the slurry seal the texture necessary to provide vehicles with tire traction and improved safety, which is especially helpful during rain events.

Slurry seal is applied in passes and it typically takes several passes to slurry seal one street. In areas where passes connect, the slurry seal must be overlapped for the product to perform properly. The subject seams are the areas where the overlap is necessary.

Prior to slurry sealing, cracks larger than a quarter of an inch are sealed with crack sealant. Cracks smaller than a quarter-inch are sealed by the slurry seal. The slurry seal application does not provide a structure layer, as in an asphalt overlay; hence the visible propagation of existing cracks to the surface. Although some of the smaller cracks are still visible, the slurry seal performance will not be affected and will continue to do its job in protecting the underlying pavement from weather/moisture damage.

Application of slurry seal is a three step process. First, surface cracks are filled to help protect the subgrade from water infiltration. Second, for areas with greater pavement deterioration, the existing pavement is removed to a depth of 4”-6” and filled with new asphalt to provide for a stronger pavement section. Third, the slurry seal is applied over the asphalt roadway, thus completing the process. During all phases of work, driving and parking will be affected and we request that you adhere to all street postings.

Street sweeping will be suspended during the slurry seal process to allow for the street to properly cure. Vehicles will not be cited on street sweeping days in the areas affected by the slurry seal project.

When the slurry seal is applied, it is a light brown color due to the chemical reactions and the temperature of the mix. As the mix becomes exposed to heat and sunlight, it will begin to turn black.  Over time, as water reacts with the slurry seal, the street will begin to turn gray. Also, as cars drive on the street, the asphalt begins to wear off, exposing the gray aggregate underneath. This is natural and only affects the aesthetics of the street, not the structural integrity.

Although a street may be opened to vehicular access after the slurry seal, it actually takes several months for the slurry to completely cure. Because of this, tire tracks and gouges may appear on the street. To avoid these tire tracks, we request that you minimize making sharp turns and turning your wheels while your car is stationary. The more visible tire tracks and “power steering” marks are often caused by heavy trucks, RVs, and trash trucks. During hot days and the summer months, these tire tracks may become more prevalent, but will eventually flatten out over time as the slurry cures.