FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SLURRY SEALING/MICRO SURFACING

What is Slurry Seal? Slurry seal is a petroleum‐based emulsion product (liquid asphalt cement), mixed with water and fine aggregate rock. It is blended on‐site in a large truck, and then applied evenly across the entire surface of an asphalt street. A slurry seal is typically 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch thick.

What does slurry seal do? Slurry seal provides a new protective surface to an existing asphalt street. By sealing the street, the base of the road is protected from water damage and the surface is protected from weather and traffic.

How will this affect access to my street?
During the slurry seal application, access to your street will be interrupted for one day only, unless work is delayed due to equipment failures, weather-related problems, or other unforeseen reasons. During this time you will not be allowed onto the street.  If your street is not sealed as scheduled, it will be added toward the end of the list and you will be re-notified 24 to 48 hours in advance of the work.

What about garbage pickup, mail delivery, etc.? 
Slurry seal applications are coordinated with the Postal Service, garbage haulers and other service providers. In most cases, you will not experience any service interruptions. Put garbage cans out prior to 5:00AM on your regular collection day, preferably at the edge of your driveway rather than in the street. Garbage haulers and mail carriers will work around the slurry seal application to provide service.

Why are small rocks collecting along the edge of the street?
This is a normal short-term occurrence after slurry has been applied. A small percentage of rock in the slurry seal does not adhere completely to the road pavement and eventually becomes loose. As cars travel the street, these small rocks are swept to the edge. These rocks will be cleaned up through the city’s street sweeping program.

Will I be able to get in or out of my driveway while they are working?
No traffic will be allowed on the street after the slurry has been placed and is drying.  You will need to plan ahead and park on another street if you are planning to travel during the drying time.  The slurry will generally take 4 to 6 hours to dry depending on temperature, cloud cover, humidity and wind conditions.