What is Slurry Seal?

Slurry Seal is a mixture of emulsified asphalt (oil), water, fine crushed rock and sand.  It is a surface applied treatment designed to extend the life of existing streets in two ways.  It helps to maintain the integrity of the roadway by filling surface cracks and voids.  By replenishing roadway surface oils, it also acts as a water repellent cap, shedding water into the gutters and preventing water damage to the subsurface of the street.

Slurry Seal is only used for preventive maintenance and is designed to extend the life of a pavement.  It will not improve the ride quality of a street.

The Construction Process

Application of Slurry Seal is a two-step process.  First, surface cracks are filled and surface patching is done.  There is no parking on the affected street on the day this takes place.  Notices will be posted beforehand.  Several days after the crack sealing and surface patching, the Slurry Seal is applied.  Streets will be closed to both parking and driving during the application although limited driving will be allowed in case of emergency.  Normal driving and parking will be allowed after the Contractor removes the No Parking signs at the end of the working day.

Slurry Seal requires only a few hours to dry before traffic can drive over it but it takes 24 to 48 hours to cure completely.  During the first few weeks after the slurry seal application, residents should avoid excessive steering of their vehicle while it is standing still, or starting or stopping quickly as this may cause tire tracks and scuff marks on the surface.