Chipsealing

The other main method we use to reseal our roads is asphalt resurfacing. The method we choose is matched to the type of road.

For example, chipseal is a cost-effective solution for local roads that have less traffic, heavy vehicles, or turning movements that can put strain on the road over time, whereas asphalt is used for busy streets and intersections that require a more resilient surface.

To learn more about asphalt and our road maintenance programme, visit our Maintenance and Management page.

Roads are selected based on factors including the age and condition of the road, traffic volumes and types, and safety risk. We prioritise where resurfacing is most needed.

If there is other planned infrastructure activities programmed to take place in the near future, e.g, water renewals or transport improvements, we may delay chipsealing of a road to a later year to avoid the new seal becoming dug up.

The most effective time to reseal is before obvious damage like potholes appears in the road surface. We use condition information and inspections to identify early signs of deterioration, so if we’re resealing your road it means we’ve noted issues that need to be addressed, even if they don’t seem obvious.

No, depending on the road surface condition we may need to complete pre-seal repairs before the chipsealing. Once the chipsealing is completed, we return to do sweeping and road marking.

Pre-seal repairs are minor repairs completed before a road is resealed. These are targeted fixes to the road surface, drainage, or kerb and channel, and are usually completed a few months prior to a reseal. Completing these repairs ahead of time addresses defects and prevents water from getting into the road structure – which could reduce the life of the new chipseal.

Loose chip is a normal part of the chipsealing process. Enough chip is applied to fully cover the  sticky binder while it sets. As vehicles travel over the road, traffic helps press the chip into the surface and moves loose chip into the gaps. Any excess chip is then swept to keep the road safe and tidy.

A first sweep happens within two weeks of the reseal being completed. We inspect the road again within the next two months and arrange a final sweep, if required, to maintain road safety and surface quality. After this, any additional sweeping will be completed as part of routine maintenance. 

Road marking is reinstated after the first sweep of loose chip. We focus on legally required white and yellow road marking including traffic lanes and parking restrictions. 

Green road marking to provide improved visibility of cycle lanes is completed at least six weeks later once the road has cured enough for the specialised paint to stick to the surface.

We check the road markings again within 12 months and refresh any that have faded.

Careful driving reduces loose chip and helps protect the finished seal. Drive to the posted speed limit, accelerate and brake gently, and avoid sharp turning movements. 

Email info@hcc.govt.nz or phone 07 838 6699.