Chip Seal

ArmorOKC

Asphalt, gravel, recycled asphalt (millings), and concrete are the most common driveway material options, but we also provide another alternative that may be the best choice for you. To help in making the most informed decision for your road surface, let’s take a look at chip sealing.

What is chip seal?

Chip seal can be a good option if you are looking for a cost-effective way to provide a new driving surface that will perform for years with minimum maintenance costs. It can extend pavement life and provide a good driving surface when complete replacement is not an option. The final product is an all-weather, skid-resistance surface.

A chip seal (also known as tar and chip) drive is constructed by using a distributer truck to spray a thin base of CRS2 (cationic water-based emulsified asphalt), spreading clean chipped-stone (usually limestone) on top, and compacting with a pneumatic (rubber tire) roller. This creates a paved surface. While we usually recommend installing 2 layers of chip seal, some surfaces can still benefit from a single layer.

Chip seal can be completed over existing gravel surfaces, unsealed asphalt, concrete, or previously chip sealed surfaces. The condition of the surface must be in relatively good shape before chip sealing can be performed effectively.

Why is chip seal good option?

  • Chip seal can be installed much more cost effectively than new asphalt, and is more durable than gravel.
  • Chip seal can be installed much quicker, often in as little as one day, without the need to close down an entire road.
  • Chip seal can provide a cost-effective surface for a neighborhood walking trail.
  • By placing a chip seal sooner than an asphalt overlay is possible, the traveling public benefits from the roads being maintained and in better condition for a longer period of time.
  • Chip seal also eliminates the need to crack seal.
  • Safety is enhanced in some cases by chip seal because it provides skid resistance.
  • Chip seals can provide a moisture barrier for underlying pavement by sealing cracks in the pavement. It also can protect a pavement surface from oxidation and weathering.
  • In hot weather, cracks in chip seal are re-sealed by the base layer flowing back together when heated by the sun.

How is chip seal different than asphalt?

The main difference is the construction method of the two. Hot Mix Asphalt is produced by heating liquid asphalt, and mixing with sand and aggregate. This mix is then laid and compacted on a sturdy base to form a durable road. Chip sealing uses the same ingredients as asphalt but the liquid asphalt is sprayed on the road, followed by the aggregate placement, and then compaction. Asphalt provides a smoother driving surface, and can last much longer than chip seal without maintenance, but is also more costly.

Why is Armor Asphalt the company for the job?

The chip seal process is not one that just anyone can perform. To construct a chip sealed road correctly, specific equipment is required. Our fleet includes a computerized chip spreader that applies the aggregate at a uniform rate over the prepared surface. We also have a distributor that will allow the spray to be applied evenly to ensure the entire surface is covered.

If you would like more information on chip sealing surface treatments, we would love to talk to you about your specific needs.

Contact us

Don’t Let Your Investment Slip Through the Cracks

Don’t Let Your Investment Slip Through the Cracks

ArmorOKC

In order to maximize the life of your asphalt driveway or parking lot, and protect your investment against deterioration, it is important to create a plan for maintaining your pavement that includes routine inspections and maintenance. Sealcoating is the first line of defense, followed by sealing cracks. First, let’s talk about the main causes of cracking.

What Causes Cracking?

  • Oxidation – as asphalt oxidizes, it loses the ability to flex when driven upon and becomes more brittle. Cracks typically first appear on higher traffic areas and along seams. These types of cracks are usually longer and straighter and can be easily sealed with rubber crack sealant.
  • Moisture – water can get in to the creases and crevices in the asphalt, and break down the paved surface over time. Drainage is a design and construction element that, when not considered, can allow water to pool and cause more damage over time.
  • Sun Exposure – the heat from the sun can break down the binding agent in the asphalt and cause the surface to be compromised.
  • Ground Movements – earthquakes and storms can cause the earth to shift, which moves the base layer and can result in voids in the sub-grade. Extreme heat and cool cause frost and thaw which also causes the ground to shift and the asphalt to expand and contract. Furthermore, changes in sub grade moisture content caused by heavy rain and droughts can cause the clay in the sub grade to expand and contract, which adds to the strain on the asphalt surface.
  • Construction Inadequacies – areas with heavy traffic will undergo more wear and tear, which can adversely affect the pavement structure if it was not designed to support such conditions.

What Can Be Done About Cracks?

Cracks between 1/8 of an inch and 2 inches can be sealed with a standard rubberized asphalt sealant. A regular maintenance program that includes sealing and crack sealing can slow down the rate of oxidation of the base layer and prevent moisture from entering the underlying layers, causing accelerated deterioration. If performed in an effective and timely manner, crack sealing is expected to extend pavement life and improve pavement performance.

Are the cracks in your pavement larger than 2 inches? Check out our post — When Crack Sealant Just Isn’t Enough

Let’s get started protecting your investment today.

When Crack Sealant Just Isn’t Enough

When Crack Sealant Just Isn’t Enough

ArmorOKC

Crack sealing can help extend the life of pavement if done properly, but some cracks are just too large to fill with traditional asphalt crack sealant. Cracks larger than 2 inches wide require a more extensive repair process.

1. Asphalt Milling

We begin the repair by removing the top two inches of asphalt centered around the crack.

2. Filling the Cracks

After the area has been milled and cleaned, we fill the crack with traditional rubber asphalt sealant.

3. Installing NW-75 Pavement Underseal Membrane

After filling the cracks, a fabric called NW-75 is placed above the crack. This is the key component that makes our process work best. The fabric forms a membrane that minimizes surface water from penetrating pavement systems and provides a stress relief interlayer which inhibits the growth of reflective cracks.

4. Adding new Hot Mix Asphalt & Compaction

Finally, hot-mix asphalt is added on top of the fabric to fill the void, and compacted to to leave a smooth surface.

Office Complex Surface Upgrades

Office Complex Surface Upgrades

ArmorOKC

1.5″ Resurfacing Overlay for Central Park I & II

The Central Park Office Complexes at 525 Central Park Drive in Oklahoma City were recently renovated and look great! In May 2019, Armor Asphalt helped to complete the upgrades by overlaying the existing asphalt surface with 1.5 inches of compacted hot mix asphalt.

Resurfacing overlays are a great and cost-effective way to dramatically improve the first impression that your customers and tenants have when entering your property.

This 220,000 square foot parking lot overlay was completed in 7 working days (excluding rain delays.) The property was divided into five sections leaving approximately 170,000 square feet of parking open to tenants during construction. Each section required some patch work to repair failed asphalt areas prior to edge milling, for smooth transitions to concrete surfaces, and applying tack coat to bond the new asphalt layer to the existing surface.

Overlays can be completed quickly and with minimal disruption to a normal business day. Armor employees will work closely with you, your tenants, and customers to create a paving plan that works well for everyone.

If your surface needs a face lift, please take a moment to fill out the form below and one of our estimators can help determine if your existing surface is a candidate for an asphalt overlay.

Your Brand New Parking Lot

Your Brand New Parking Lot

ArmorOKC

Some may say first impressions are everything. When potential customers drive up to a storefront for the first time, a smooth driving surface with properly laid out markings can help make their experience a positive one. The bright color contrast of newly painted stripes on new black asphalt can make the building look updated, and well maintained. A new parking lot shows customers that their safety is important, and speaks highly of integrity of the store.

New asphalt is a serious investment. We at Armor Asphalt will work closely with you to construct a plan that best fits into your budget and schedule. Your satisfaction is important to us, and every detail of your vision matters. With over 20 years of experience, we have the knowledge to make sure your newly built parking lot meets density requirements and standards, and also has a smooth ride and looks beautiful.

One common question property owners have is, “Will it interrupt business hours?” We understand that customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance. In most cases, parking lots can remain in use during construction, and barriers set up to provide a safe zone for workers and customers.

Check out some of our before and after transformations

Ready to get started planning your new parking lot? Contact us today for a free estimate!

HOA Street Maintenance & Repair

HOA Street Maintenance & Repair

ArmorOKC

One of the responsibilities of many homeowners associations is to ensure that their neighborhood roads are appropriately maintained. It is very important for homeowners to understand what their HOA fees are covering, and to know their money is being spent prudently.

Filling cracks, repairing potholes, and sealcoating can help protect the integrity of streets, and prolong the life of the asphalt.

HOA Street Management Services

  • Crack Sealing
  • Filling Potholes
  • Sealcoating
  • Crack Sealing: Cracks allow water and grass to enter the base layer, and will eventually lead to potholes, and compromised base integrity.
  • Filling Potholes: Potholes are an inevitable part of life, especially in locations that experience extreme weather conditions such as cold and hot temperatures throughout the year. Filling potholes can provide a smooth ride through the neighborhood for all residents, and prevent water from entering the base layer and causing more damage.
  • Sealcoating: The surface of asphalt is porous, and susceptible to UV ray damage, oxidation, and deterioration from wear and tear. Sealcoating is designed to add a protective layer to extend the life of asphalt, and as an added benefit, it makes the surface look new again.

Maintaining your community’s roadways now will help save money in the future, and also provide a more enjoyable drive home. It is a good idea for HOAs to add maintenance costs into the HOA fees, and have a plan in place for the future. It may cost more now, but it will save money in the long-run, and prevention entire road reconstruction in 10 years when they are beyond repair.

We work with HOAs to set up a detailed HOA Maintenance Plan, and work within the allotted budget to maximize homeowner’s investments.

We work with HOAs to set up a detailed HOA Maintenance Plan, and work within the allotted budget to maximize homeowner’s investments.

Interested in meeting with us to get started on your HOA Maintenance Plan? Contact us below!

Add a Fresh Coat

Add a Fresh Coat

ArmorOKC

Is your storefront in need of a fresh coat of paint? Adding a new coat of sealer makes a parking lot look brand new again, and updates the store’s overall appearance. Not only do you benefit from the great new look, it will help protect your asphalt surface from the elements, and reduce future repairs. Check out some of our sealcoating before and after photos.

Religious Institution Maintenance Program

Religious Institution Maintenance Program

ArmorOKC

Religious Institutions have busy facilities year-round. We can help prevent interruption of activities by putting in place a Pavement Maintenance Program. Through this program, we can work together to schedule improvements to be performed at a time that will prevent disruption of service, and maintain and create a safe environment in which to better serve congregations and communities.

Our planning program takes into account special holidays that many religious institutions celebrate. We make sure that we plan for those busier times by performing parking lot marking and sealcoating before special events to ensure that the campus looks its best, and will provide a seamless experience for guests. There is nothing like a fresh coat of sealer and parking lot stripes to welcome visitors.


Often times religious institutions delay performing parking lot maintenance and repair in order to provide more social services. Additionally, many do not have the staff to handle property management. Armor Asphalt has over 20 years of experience in helping religious institutions manage the repair and maintenance of their campuses. Our professionals work closely with staff and property managers to assess the current road surface, and offer both long-term and short-term solutions that will maximize time and money spent.

In order to give back to those that nourish our community, we offer a religious institution discount.