Bitumen sealing, chip sealing, tar, and chipping are cost-effective road maintenance techniques. It involves applying a layer of liquid bitumen (a by-product of crude oil refining) to the road surface, followed by a crushed stone or aggregate layer. The rocks are pressed into the bitumen, creating a durable, textured surface.
Improved skid resistance
The primary way bitumen sealing enhances road safety is resistance. The textured surface created by the crushed stones provides better traction for vehicle tyres, especially in wet conditions. This increased skid resistance reduces accidents caused by skidding or hydroplaning, often occurring when tyres lose grip on a slippery road surface.
Extended road life
Bitumen seals road safety and extends the life of the road itself. The protective layer of bitumen and aggregate helps to prevent water from seeping into the road base, which causes damage such as potholes, cracks, and erosion. By sealing the road surface, bitumen seals deterioration, reducing frequent and costly repairs. A well-maintained road with fewer potholes and cracks is inherently safer for drivers, as it minimizes the risk of accidents caused by poor road conditions.
Reduced glare and improved visibility
The benefit of bitumen sealing is the reduction of glare and the improvement of visibility on the road. The bitumen’s dark colour helps absorb light, reducing the glare drivers experience, especially during bright and sunny conditions. This improved visibility allows drivers to see the road more clearly, react to potential hazards more quickly, and maintain better control of their vehicles.
Cost-effective road maintenance
In addition to its safety benefits, bitumen sealing is a cost-effective road maintenance solution. Rather than more extensive road repairs or resurfacing, bitumen sealing is inexpensive and quick. Road authorities maintain a significant portion of the road network with the same budget, ensuring that more roads are kept safe and serviceable.
Versatility in application
Bitumen sealing is a versatile road maintenance technique for various road types and surfaces. From highways and main roads to residential streets and parking lots, bitumen sealing can be used to improve safety and extend the life of the pavement. This versatility makes it an essential tool in the road maintenance arsenal, allowing authorities to address safety concerns across various road networks For info about Bitumen driveways check northernhighwaysbitumen.com.aumore details.
Environmental benefits
While not directly related to road safety, it’s worth mentioning that bitumen sealing also has environmental benefits. By extending the life of the road and reducing the need for frequent repairs and resurfacing, bitumen sealing helps to conserve natural resources and minimize the environmental impact of road maintenance activities. Additionally, using recycled materials, such as rubber from old tyres, in the bitumen mixture further enhances the eco-friendly nature of this road maintenance technique.
To maximize the safety benefits of bitumen sealing, it’s essential to carry out regular maintenance and resealing. Over time, the protective layer of bitumen and aggregate wear down due to traffic, weather conditions, and other factors. By regularly inspecting and resealing roads as needed, road authorities ensure that the safety features provided by bitumen sealing are maintained and that the road remains safe and serviceable.
