DIY Builds
Photo by PNW Production Pexels Logo Photo: PNW Production

Can you seal over gravel?

Chip seal can be completed over existing gravel surfaces, unsealed asphalt, concrete, or previously chip sealed surfaces. The condition of the surface must be in relatively good shape before chip sealing can be performed effectively.

Does mold stay on plastic?
Does mold stay on plastic?

Molds can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. Aug 20, 2019

Read More »
How do you insulate under a shed?
How do you insulate under a shed?

Here's how: Remove the flooring of your shed. Put wood blocks under each joist cavity. Each joist cavity should have at least two support blocks....

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Asphalt, gravel, recycled asphalt (millings), and concrete are the most common driveway material options, but we also provide another alternative that may be the best choice for you. To help in making the most informed decision for your road surface, let’s take a look at chip sealing.

What is chip seal?

Chip seal can be a good option if you are looking for a cost-effective way to provide a new driving surface that will perform for years with minimum maintenance costs. It can extend pavement life and provide a good driving surface when complete replacement is not an option. The final product is an all-weather, skid-resistance surface. A chip seal (also known as tar and chip) drive is constructed by using a distributer truck to spray a thin base of CRS2 (cationic water-based emulsified asphalt), spreading clean chipped-stone (usually limestone) on top, and compacting with a pneumatic (rubber tire) roller. This creates a paved surface. While we usually recommend installing 2 layers of chip seal, some surfaces can still benefit from a single layer. Chip seal can be completed over existing gravel surfaces, unsealed asphalt, concrete, or previously chip sealed surfaces. The condition of the surface must be in relatively good shape before chip sealing can be performed effectively.

Why is chip seal good option?

Chip seal can be installed much more cost effectively than new asphalt, and is more durable than gravel. Chip seal can be installed much quicker, often in as little as one day, without the need to close down an entire road.

Chip seal can provide a cost-effective surface for a neighborhood walking trail.

By placing a chip seal sooner than an asphalt overlay is possible, the traveling public benefits from the roads being maintained and in better condition for a longer period of time.

Chip seal also eliminates the need to crack seal.

Safety is enhanced in some cases by chip seal because it provides skid resistance. Chip seals can provide a moisture barrier for underlying pavement by sealing cracks in the pavement. It also can protect a pavement surface from oxidation and weathering. In hot weather, cracks in chip seal are re-sealed by the base layer flowing back together when heated by the sun.

How is chip seal different than asphalt?

The main difference is the construction method of the two. Hot Mix Asphalt is produced by heating liquid asphalt, and mixing with sand and aggregate. This mix is then laid and compacted on a sturdy base to form a durable road. Chip sealing uses the same ingredients as asphalt but the liquid asphalt is sprayed on the road, followed by the aggregate placement, and then compaction. Asphalt provides a smoother driving surface, and can last much longer than chip seal without maintenance, but is also more costly.

Why is Armor Asphalt the company for the job?

The chip seal process is not one that just anyone can perform. To construct a chip sealed road correctly, specific equipment is required. Our fleet includes a computerized chip spreader that applies the aggregate at a uniform rate over the prepared surface. We also have a distributor that will allow the spray to be applied evenly to ensure the entire surface is covered. If you would like more information on chip sealing surface treatments, we would love to talk to you about your specific needs.

Contact us

Can too much insulation cause mold?
Can too much insulation cause mold?

Mold in the Middle It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal...

Read More »
Which garden shed is better wood or metal?
Which garden shed is better wood or metal?

Good quality wooden sheds are often more expensive than plastic or metal shed kits of a comparable size. Whilst wood is a versatile material, it is...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

How do I stop my plastic shed from blowing away?

The plastic sheds can be secured with the help of cable wires and straps that go over the roof. Cover the shed with the ropes from one corner to another from the roof to the base and connect it with the anchors to give strength to the shed.

Several people do not prefer buying plastic sheds because they think they are not adequately secured. On a windy day, every one of us has faced the tumbling of the plastic sheds. It becomes scary when the wind starts blowing at high speeds, and things start floating in the air. Often in these conditions, the shed gets partially damaged, or the stuff inside the shed breaks down. But this is not a problem to get scared off as there are multiple ways of securing the shed. Plastic sheds are mostly light in weight and need to be completely secured. Although they come with the screws that groove in the plastic of the shed. But still, sometimes, during heavy winds the plastic sheds are not reliable.

These below-given measures can be taken to secure the plastic shed:

What size shed needs a foundation?
What size shed needs a foundation?

Does my Shed Need a Foundation? Generally, smaller sheds of up to 8×6 do not need a foundation. Small sheds can be rested on crushed stone with...

Read More »
Should all soffits be vented?
Should all soffits be vented?

Soffit can be non-vented or vented to allow for maximum roof ventilation. Non-vented or continuous soffit works best when your roof has narrow...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
How many lithium batteries does it take to power a house?
How many lithium batteries does it take to power a house?

A 400 amp-hour 6 volt battery can provide around 2.4 kilowatt hours of power. A three-day battery bank planned to provide 90 kilowatt-hours of...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Is polystyrene phased out UK?
Is polystyrene phased out UK?

Single-use plastic plates, cutlery, expanded and extruded polystyrene cups and food and beverage containers could all be phased out, in the latest...

Read More »