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The Difference Between Slurry Seals and Sealcoating

What’s the difference between slurry seals and sealcoating? Though both asphalt maintenance services will extend your asphalt’s lifespan, making it look smooth and new again, they are not the same. These two sealing options offer distinctive benefits.

Sealcoating vs. Slurry Seal

slurry seal   

Sealcoating is a thinner mixture with smaller aggregates (or none at all). It can be sprayed or squeegeed on, curing in 2-4 hours to provide a smoother surface than slurry. Our paving experts recommend it for use in low traffic, low-speed areas like driveways and parking lots housing smaller, lightweight vehicles. You should reapply asphalt sealer every 3-6 years, depending on use, for optimal performance.

Slurry seal mixtures contain larger aggregates. These aggregates can fill in minor surface imperfections like rough spots and small cracks and withstand heavier use. Our paving experts recommend slurry mixtures in higher speed, heavy traffic areas like roadways and streets. It costs a bit more to apply than sealcoating due to the added aggregates and large machinery needed to mix and spread the sealer. Slurry also takes longer to cure (8-10 hours). However, it lasts longer, requiring reapplication only every 6-9 years, depending on traffic and environmental conditions.

Neither slurry seal nor sealcoating will correct severely damaged pavement. If you have deep cracks, large potholes, and structural damage, full-depth asphalt repairs are necessary before adding sealcoating or slurry seal protection.

Which Do I Need – Slurry or Sealcoat?

Sealcoating is the most cost-effective way to maintain structurally sound pavement in low-speed, low traffic areas like parking lots or driveways. A slurry seal may be a better solution if your asphalt sees heavy use and has more than a few cracks and rough patches.

Are you still confused about the difference between slurry seals and sealcoating? The experts at American Asphalt know the best way to bring your Hayward, Santa Clara, Pleasanton, Livermore, Fremont, Pleasant Hill, Danville, San Jose, or Oakland business’ pavement back to life. Contact us at 510-723-0280 to schedule a free pavement evaluation today.

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Slurry Seal Vs Seal Coat