What’s the Difference Between Chip Seal and Asphalt?
It’s all in the details
Chip seal driveways only last 5 to 8 years. Asphalt driveways can last 15 to 30 years.
Chip seal is best used as a top layer on an asphalt driveway.
Chip seal costs $5 to $10 per square foot. Asphalt costs around $5,248 on average.
Asphalt driveway repairs cost $1,071 to $4,011.
Chip seal and traditional asphalt are both popular pavement materials for parking lots and driveways, but the former can be used as a standalone pavement option, or on top of asphalt as a sealing method. So, exactly how do chip seal and asphalt differ and how do you know which one suits you the most? Here are the key differences between chip seal and asphalt.
What Are the Differences Between Chip Seal and Asphalt?
Chip seal, also known as oil and chip, is a pavement material where small rocks or gravel is held together by a binder, often asphalt or tar. While many confuse chip seal and asphalt as the same thing, they are fundamentally different in many aspects.
| Differences | Chip Seal | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Rough, heavily-textured surface | Smoother surface although rough finish options are available. |
| Durability | 5 to 8 years | 15 to 30 years |
| Cost | $2 to $5 per square foot materials only, or $5 to $10 per square foot with labor | $5,248 on average |
| Application | Private driveway, but mostly as a top layer on an asphalt driveway | Private driveway, parking spots, and public roads |
Chip Seal vs. Asphalt: Surface Appearance
Asphalt provides a leveled, smooth surface that is easy to repair if damages happen. The color is usually very dark charcoal, close to black. A driveway using chip seal would have a much rougher texture where the edges of gravel are identifiable. Chip seal naturally has a light grey color.
Durability Differences
If maintained properly, an asphalt driveway can last 15 to 30 years. Most driveways last around 20 years on average, but proper sealing and timely repairs can extend their lifespan up to a maximum of 30 years. Asphalt is highly resistant to heavy traffic, chemicals, and extreme weather conditions.
Chip seal, on the other hand, is far less durable. When used alone as driveway material, it lasts 5 to 8 years on average. If you have extremely low traffic volume, the chip seal driveway may last up to 15 years. Chip seal driveways are vulnerable to impact and heavy rain.
Cost Differences
Chip seal is much more affordable than asphalt. Chip seal driveway costs $2 to $5 per square foot for materials. Paving a driveway with chip seal costs $5 to $10 per square foot, including labor. On average, a tar chip seal driveway costs 30% to 40% less than an asphalt one.
An asphalt driveway costs around $5,248, or $3,125 to $7,377 on average. Whether you are building a new driveway or an overlay, the size of your driveway and your local contractor rates all affect the final cost of the project.
Asphalt driveway repairs cost $1,071 to $4,011, depending on the severity of the damage and whether you need an urgent repair. On the other hand, since chip seal has no structure, the only valid repair would be reapplying chip seal all over again.
Application Differences
As the name suggests, chip seal is meant to be used for sealing. When applied alone, chip seal might work for private driveways and roads with extremely low volume. But anywhere expecting regular traffic should go with asphalt due to its durability.
More often, chip seal is used as a top layer or a resurfacing material for an asphalt driveway to extend its lifespan by keeping the existing pavement in good condition.
Chip seal roads and driveways are slightly more expensive than gravel, but significantly more affordable than traditional asphalt. Chip seal works wonders when used as a top coat. Its lighter color is less heat-absorbant than black asphalt. It also renews your aging, deteriorating asphalt without having to spend on major repairs or redoing the entire driveway.
Driveway installation is challenging. While chip seal might sound easier to apply than asphalt, the process still involves heavy machinery and professional skills. Unless you come from a construction background, we recommend hiring an asphalt company to chip seal your new driveway. If you are paving the driveway entirely with chip seal, expect to pay $5 to $10 per square foot.
Chip seal lasts only 5 to 8 years on average. This lifespan is significantly shorter than asphalt. It is also less durable. Therefore, chip seal driveway only works if the traffic volume is extremely low. Chip seal is also less resistant to storms and hails. As impact builds up, the chips may become misplaced, creating an uneven driving surface that sometimes becomes hazardous and may damage your tires or cause your vehicle to lose balance.
