Chip seals are frequently used, both in Greeley, Colorado, and around the world. Chip seals are installed in a series of layers: an initial coat of thick oil is applied to the road, followed by small, chipped rocks called aggregate (about 1/4″, on average). The aggregate then is compacted into the oil by rubber-tire rollers. Over the following 24 hours, a final layer of oil is applied, called a fog seal. This binds excess aggregate to the road and gives the project a final, uniform finish.

This kind of chip seal is standard for many residential roads. Larger roads with higher traffic loadings may require a larger aggregate size. A chip seal can extend the life of a roadway by 5-10 years.