Why does the Municipality use seal coats?
They provide a low cost, all weather surface. Seal coats allow the M.D. to surface a great deal more roads than if we were to just pave roads. A single seal coat is approximately 1/8th the cost of hot-mix pavement. They prevent water from penetrating into underlying granular bases and weathered pavements. They provide a skid resistant surface on surfaces that have become slippery because of wear. They can provide a temporary cover for a new base. Sometimes it is desirable to have a new base go through a winter or two so that any weak spots will show up prior to any final surfacing. They improve night visibility. Because the aggregate used is not covered with oil on the top side, it is much lighter in colour than hot-mix paving, and therefore reflects more light.
