The difference is in the construction method. Hot Mix Asphalt pavement is produced by heating liquid asphalt and mixing it with aggregate, with the mix then spread and compacted to form a durable road structure and riding surface. Chip Sealing uses the same ingredients as asphalt concrete paving, but the construction method is different. With chip seals, a thin film of heated asphalt liquid is sprayed on the road surface, followed by the placement of small aggregates (“chips”). The chips are then compacted to orient the chips for maximum adherence to the asphalt, and excess stone is swept from the surface. The ingredients of hot mix asphalt and chip seals are the same; only the construction methods are different.

Maintain the roads for very low cost.  A chip seal is about one fourth to one fifth the cost of a conventional asphalt overlay.  By extending the time between asphalt overlays, chip seals result in lower costs over the long term.  Chip Seals eliminate the need to crack seal.  Chip seals enhance safety by providing good skid resistance.  Chip seals provide an effective moisture barrier for the underlying pavement against water intrusion by sealing cracks in the pavement.  Chip seals prevent deterioration of the asphalt surface from the effects of aging and oxidation due to water and sun.