Gilsonite in Chip Seals and Surface Dressing
Chip seals (surface dressing) are a low-cost way to waterproof and restore skid resistance to roads. The binder must hold the chips firmly in hot weather.
Binder requirements
- Good wetting of chips during application
- Strong retention after curing
- Resistance to bleeding in summer
Gilsonite benefits
Adding gilsonite to cutback or hot binder increases stiffness after curing, helping prevent bleeding and chip loss in hot conditions.
Application tips
- Use gilsonite-modified hot binder or cutback.
- Apply at the correct rate and temperature.
- Roll chips promptly.
Related surface treatments
Gilsonite is also used in slurry seals and pavement sealers. See gilsonite pavement sealer guide.
Chip seal design factors
| Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Binder rate | Enough to hold chips, not so much it bleeds |
| Chip size | Matched to traffic |
| Chip cleanliness | Dust prevents bonding |
| Weather | Warm and dry |
Common failures
- Chip loss in the first weeks
- Bleeding in hot weather
- Streaking from uneven spray
Gilsonite benefit
Stiffer binder after curing reduces bleeding and improves chip retention in heat.
See our sealer and filler grade gilsonite.
Recommended product
Sealer & Filler Grade Gilsonite
| Property | Typical value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Black powder | Visual |
| Softening point (R&B) | 150 – 180 °C | ASTM D36 |
| Ash content, max | 5 % | ASTM D3174 |
| Moisture, max | 1 % | ASTM D95 |
| Solubility in toluene, min | 98 % | ASTM D2042 |
| Particle size | ≤ 200 mesh | Sieve |
| Typical dosage | Sealer: 15 – 35 % | |
| Packing | 25 kg bags palletized. | |
Typical values. The final specification is confirmed in the COA of each shipment.
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