Slurry Seal Projects
Have a question about a slurry seal project? Read below to find out more!
What is a slurry seal?
A mixture of emulsified asphalt (oil), water, fine crushed rock, and sand. It is a surface applied treatment designed to extend the life of the existing roadway.
A slurry seal is used for preventative maintenance and is typically applied every five to seven years. Once the pavement reaches a point where slurry sealing is no longer effective, a "grind and overlay" will be recommended under the Pavement Management Program.
How are streets identified for treatment?
The City adopts a Pavement Mangement Program (PMP) that inventories all pavement, evaluates street conditions, and idenfies maintenance and budget strategies.
Slurry seals are typically used for streets in fair condition and when expensive reconstruction and asphalt overlay methods are not warranted.
What is the process for a slurry seal project?
1. Surface Preparation
The contractor will remove existing traffic striping, perform weed abatement, and then fill in cracks.
2. Pavement Repairs
Areas of extensive asphalt deterioration will be replaced and depending on the condition of the existing street, an edge grind may be performed.
3. Slurry Seal and Striping
The slurry seal is applied and typically cures within five to eight hours. Traffic striping will be reapplied approximately 14-days after the slurry seal application.
How will I be affected?
- There will be temporary parking restrictions during the crack sealing, asphalt repairs, and edge grind.
- During the slurry seal application, streets are closed to both parking and driving. You may park on adjacent streets that are not affected by the project.
- "No Parking" signs will be posted a minimum of 48-hours prior to any street closure.
What about trash pickup and street sweeping?
There is no impact to trash pickup. If work is planned on your normally scheduled trash pickup day, the contractor will coordinate with Valley Vista Services to collect trash prior to street closure for that day.
During the project, street sweeping will be suspended. If your street is closed for slurry sealing and you park on an adjacent street, you will not be issued a citation.
What can I expect with the final slurry seal product?
It is important to note that a slurry seal does not provide any structural improvement, but is a preventative measure that creates a moisture barrier/weatherproofing layer that prevents damage to the underlying street pavement. Minor imperfections are expected and within industry standards, and the appearance will improve over time as more vehicles travel over it.
COLOR: When the slurry seal is applied, it is a light brown color due to the chemical reactions and the temperature of the mix. The discoloration will fade and the mix will turn black over time with more exposure to heat and sunlight.
RIDE QUALITY: A slurry seal has a rough texture due to the rock and sand aggregate in the mix, unlike the smooth surface of a newly paved road. It is normal for the loose sand and aggregate to accumulate in the gutter - this will be picked up by the street sweepers. Even after the streets are open, it takes several months for the slurry seal to completely cure and become more uniform and smooth over time.
TEXTURE: Minor imperfections and light sand debris is expected immediately after the street is open due to the initial wear and scuffing. Typical gouges from motorists turning their front wheels without moving forward is also expected, but will settle over time.
TIPS: Avoid sitting still and turning your wheels or cutting the steering wheel hard when backing out of a driveway. Keep speeds low to moderate for at least 24 hours and a few days if it's really hot outside.
Have more questions?
Please contact the Public Works Department at 714-229-6740 or email pw@cypressca.org.