Spray seal vs asphalt: when should you use each?

Spray seal and asphalt are both proven pavement surfacing treatments, but they suit different applications. Spray sealing is commonly used across roads, rural routes, subdivisions and larger areas where a durable, cost-effective waterproof surface is required. It involves spraying a bituminous binder onto the prepared pavement and applying aggregate over the top, creating a flexible wearing surface. Asphalt, on the other hand, provides a smoother, more tightly controlled finished surface and is generally preferred where ride quality, appearance, traffic loading or precise levels are important, such as urban roads, intersections, car parks and commercial developments.

The right treatment depends on more than just the surface you want to achieve. Existing pavement condition, traffic volumes, drainage, site conditions, required service life and project budget all need to be considered. In some cases, a spray seal may provide the most practical and economical solution, while heavily trafficked or high-use areas may justify an asphalt surface. At Pavements Australia, we consider the pavement, site requirements and intended use before recommending the appropriate treatment, whether that means spray sealing, asphalt resurfacing or a combination of both.