A Natural, Rustic Look

Not every pavement setting calls for asphalt. Chip seal is a high-quality alternative to asphalt that offers an exceptional surface with a natural, earthy appeal.

What is Chip Seal?

Chip Seal is a pavement surface treatment that combines one or more layers of asphalt with one or more layers of fine aggregate. This kind of surface is known by a variety of other names that are used in different parts of the country. In the eastern U.S. it’s usually called tar-seal, tarseal, tar and chip. Here in California we call it chip seal, chipseal, or chip and seal.

In the United States, chip seals are typically used on rural roads carrying lower traffic volumes. In Australia, chip seal roads are common, even on major highways.

Better Than Gravel

Chip seal paving is a step up from gravel because it’s a harder, longer lasting surface. Gravel is loose rock that requires regular grading every year to redistribute it to fill ruts and dips caused by traffic and weather. Chip seal usually lasts for a few years depending on the site and traffic wear.

Chip Seal Paving Process

Pimentel Paving makes sure your job is done right, using a process that meets our high quality standards. We’ve refined this process to perfection after over 30 years in the paving business:

  • Holes are filled

  • Weeds are removed

  • Surfaces are graded

  • Drainage is improved whenever possible

  • Oil is spread over the area to be paved

  • A layer of 3/8” rock-size chip is added to the wet oil surface

  • A roller compacts the rock into the oil

Chip Seal Driveway, Healdsburg
Chip seal surface close up view

Closeup view of chip seal paving. Photo source: Wikipedia

New Roads or Asphalt Repair

Chip sealing can be done as an affordable way to pave your large driveway, private road, or parking lot. Or it can be used as a treatment to extend the life of your existing asphalt pavement.

Easy on Your Budget

Not every budget has room for asphalt paving. Chip seal paving is very cost effective compared to asphalt. With a little maintenance, under normal circumstances, chip seal provides a visually appealing countryside look that lasts three to five years.

Chip Seal Calistoga Hwy 29 - after

Customized Appearance

To create a custom look with a natural asphalt alternative you’d love to see on your property, the surface can be treated in different ways. It might be left with loose gravel or be swept for a smoother effect.

Chip seal comes in a variety of colors.

Contact Us!

Talk to us to learn how chip seal can be a great alternative to asphalt for your paving situation.

See our Paving Projects Gallery for more examples of our chip seal paving.

Gold Chip Seal Driveway, Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga CA

Chip Seal Paving Projects