Chip Seal Equipment Nevada
A piece of chip seal equipment is seen. BearCat Manufacturing sells chip seal equipment in Nevada.

Why Chip Seal Is The Environmentally Friendly Choice For Paving

When it comes to paving roads, parking lots and driveways, choosing an environmentally friendly solution is increasingly important. Chip seal, also known as tar and chip, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional asphalt paving methods. It’s a widely used method for resurfacing roads, particularly in rural areas. It provides numerous environmental benefits that make it an eco-conscious choice. If you’re looking for the best chip seal equipment in Nevada, call BearCat Manufacturing at 928-684-7851.

Chip Seal Uses Fewer Raw Materials

One of the primary environmental advantages of chip seal is that it uses fewer raw materials compared to traditional asphalt paving. Chip seal involves applying a thin layer of asphalt emulsion followed by a layer of small aggregate, or chips. Next comes chip compaction. This process requires less asphalt material than full-depth asphalt paving, reducing the consumption of natural resources. By minimizing the use of new materials, chip seal contributes to conservation efforts and reduces the overall carbon footprint of road maintenance and construction projects. Other advantages to this process include:

  • Chip seal is often applied over existing road surfaces. This makes it a highly sustainable option. Instead of removing and replacing old asphalt, chip seal can be laid directly on top of the existing road. This reduces the need for new materials and the associated environmental impact of producing, transporting and installing them. By reusing existing road infrastructure, chip seal minimizes waste and promotes a more circular, resource-efficient approach to paving.
  • The production and installation of traditional asphalt paving require large amounts of energy, from heating the asphalt to transporting materials to job sites. Chip seal, on the other hand, can be applied at lower temperatures and with less energy-intensive equipment. The asphalt emulsion used in chip seal doesn’t need to be heated to the same high temperatures as traditional hot mix asphalt, resulting in lower energy consumption during the application process. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with road construction and maintenance, making chip seal a more energy-efficient choice.
  • Urban heat islands are areas that experience significantly higher temperatures due to human activities, primarily because of dark, heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt roads. Chip seal surfaces are typically lighter in color than traditional asphalt, which helps reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it. This reflective property reduces the heat island effect, contributing to cooler urban and rural environments. By helping to regulate surface temperatures, chip seal contributes to lowering ambient air temperatures, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling in nearby buildings and homes.

Chip Seal Surfaces Are Long-Lasting And Low-Maintenance

Reduced maintenance intervals lower the environmental impact. Additionally, chip seal helps protect the underlying road surface from moisture penetration and weather damage, extending the life of the road and reducing the need for future repairs. Fewer repairs mean less disruption to traffic and reduced emissions from construction vehicles and equipment over time.

Choose Chip Seal For Sustainable Drainage

Chip seal surfaces are often more porous than traditional asphalt, allowing for better water drainage. Improved drainage reduces the risk of water pooling on road surfaces, which can lead to erosion, flooding and road damage. By allowing water to filter through the surface, chip seal helps maintain the natural flow of stormwater, reducing runoff and promoting healthier ecosystems in surrounding areas.

A piece of chip seal equipment is seen. BearCat Manufacturing sells chip seal equipment in Nevada.

We’re Here To Handle All Your Chip Seal Needs

Having the right chip seal equipment will ensure that your road surfaces last. Turn to BearCat Manufacturing to ensure you have the best equipment. To buy the best chip seal equipment in Nevada, call
928-684-7851.