SLURRY 101:
WHAT TO
EXPECT
A Guide to your upcoming neighborhood improvements.
THE SLURRY SEAL PROCESS
View the video below to see exactly what will go on in your neighborhood
WHAT TO EXPECT
STEP ONE
Minor Repairs
Chances are if you see a crack-sealing crew or patching crew working in your neighborhood, there's also a good chance that a fresh new road surface is on the way. That's because the first step to any road maintenance, and a must for quality pavement preservation, is to repair moderate cracks and potholes.
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How long does it take?
A few days, depending on weather and the size of the neighborhood.
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What's entailed?
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Crack Sealing
-Quick-moving operation
-On-street parking affected
-Work zone protected by flaggers
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Patching
-Localized failures fixed with asphalt
-Includes potholes, utility cuts, wide cracks, “alligator” cracking
STEP TWO
Treatment Application
Notification
Door to door notices will be distributed with specific dates and instructions
Generally, No Parking signs will be posted in advance to help residents plan ahead
TIPS: You may not be able to get out of your drive, so park your vehicle within walking distance if you need to leave after our start time and ensure we don't hold you up
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Road Prep
Cones are set out in preparation of the application truck coming through
Manhole and utility covers are protected
TIP: This is a good indication that we'll be applying the slurry seal shortly and there may be wet slurry in front of your driveway.
Sweep
The road is swept to ensure a good bond and intersections are taped to give a cleaner edge
Fairly fast-moving so it causes very little disruption to traffic or routine
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TIP: This will signify that the slurry seal application is imminent and residents should exit their driveways
now so as not to get blocked in by a lane of wet slurry.
Apply One Lane/Side
The crew begins by placing one lane of the slurry treatment down and marking it off with cones
Wet slurry should not be driven on at all
The lane will be closed for 1-4 hours to allow the surface treatment to dry enough to pass over
Length of time depends on treatment type and weather conditions - you'll know it's safe to drive on when the cones have been removed
Special Note: Short cul-de-sacs may need to be done all at once and will be closed for a minimum of one hour.
TIP: Drive slowly and watch for the direction of traffic control to ensure everyone's safety
INSTALLATION NOTE: Wet vs. Dry
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Note the lighter brown color of the wet slurry vs. the dark color of the dry slurry
TIP: Never drive on wet slurry unless you are willing to get it on your vehicle and your driveway.
If in doubt, don't drive on it.
Again, if you must cross wet slurry, talk with the supervisor about spreading some "sand" to allow you to do so safely. Their number is on your notice.
STEP THREE
Drying & Curing
24-48 Hours After Install
Protecting Your Street's New Surface
- Wet and freshly dried treatments are vulnerable to damage from vehicles
- High temperatures will soften any type of asphalt material
- The marks shown are from driving and hard turning on a fresh slurry seal
- Most of this type of maring will blend in in time
- This wear-in also applies to the initial surface texture - note the texture difference once the road has worn in
TIPS:
Avoid sitting still and turning your wheels or cutting the steering wheel hard like when backing out of a driveway.
Instead, back out and begin moving forward before turning your wheels.
Keep speeds low to moderate for at least 24 hours and a few days if it's really hot outside.
STEP FOUR
There Will Be Loose Aggregate
For the first couple of weeks after the install, it's natural for some of the fine surface gravel to wear out of the slurry matrix as the surface wears in and smooths out.
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The loose gravel is almost always no larger than 1/4 of an inch in diameter by design.
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There may also be some of the aggregate sand left at intersections or other areas where it was spread for traffic to cross. There may also be places along the gutter where loose aggregate can accumulate.
STEP FIVE
Inspection
After the slurry seal has had enough time to settle in, and we've completed our installation punch-list, we'll do a quality control inspection. (This time frame varies due to weather and traffic conditions.)
We'll make sure everything's been done to standards and that the seal is performing as it should. If there is too much loose material on the surface of the roads, we'll do a sweep to remove it.
STEP SIX
Achieving Profile
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The surface may initially show surface variations.
For the first couple of weeks after the install, it's natural for some of the fine surface gravel to wear out of the slurry matrix as the surface wears in and smooths out.
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The loose gravel is almost always no larger than 1/4 of an inch in diameter by design.
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There may also be some of the aggregate sand left at intersections or other areas where it was spread for traffic to cross. There may also be places along the gutter where loose aggregate can accumulate.
OUR STORY
VSS International (VSSI) and its founders have been pioneers in the pavement preservation industry since the 1950’s. As one of few remaining founding members of the International Slurry Surfacing Association, VSSI continues to provide customers throughout the United States with a vast array of innovative solutions for their pavement preservation needs. Since its inception, VSSI has been awarded thousands of pavement preservation contracts throughout the Western United States.
The VSS name is recognized around the world. Through participation in international and regional conferences, agencies, contractors, and engineers have come to know the value-added provided by VSS International, Inc. With over 60 years of experience in the construction industry, VSS International, Inc. stays forefront of developing techniques, asphalt technology, and equipment manufacturing. VSS International, Inc. is now one of the leading companies in road construction and maintenance. From that success and ingenuity, sister companies, VSS Emultech and VSS Macropaver (also known as Reed International, Inc.) have blossomed as a prime material provider in asphalt emulsion and application technology and as a premier road maintenance and construction equipment manufacturer.
We design, build and install pavement preservation systems on projects of all sizes, both public and private. To satisfy our clients in meeting today’s challenging construction environment, VSSI’s expert team of professionals, state-of-the-art equipment, and manufacturing facilities deliver the safest and highest quality construction.
Careers
Join VSS International
At VSS International, we realize our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to the success of our employees and their continued development, both professionally and personally.
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VSS International is committed to providing an excellent benefit package that supports the health and well-being of our employees and their family.
CONTACT US
Inquiries
For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please
Email: questions@slurry.com
Or fill out the following form