Surface dressing
Surface dressing is the main method of surfacing used as it is ideal for all roads. It is quick to process, cost effective and has a lower carbon footprint than other treatments. Surface Dressing is applied to the road surface to seal it and prevent water getting in, which can cause cracks. This treatment will help to expand the life span of the road and can improve road safety by providing better skid resistance.
Preparation
Sometime before surface dressing takes place, the road is patched to seal it and prevent further potholes and deterioration.
Residents will be notified in advance of any disruption. On the day the treatment is due to be applied, the road will be swept before the Surface Dressing is applied.
Application
Emulsion binders are sprayed onto the surface of the road before chippings are added and embedded with a roller.
Once this stage is complete, the road is reopened fully and traffic can travel on the surface at low speeds, which helps to further embed the chippings.
This treatment can only be carried out in dry weather and in summer months.
Aftercare
Roads can be reopened as soon as the dressing is laid but speed restrictions will remain in place until the treatment has fully embedded.
Sites are monitored and swept at regular intervals. Gritters may be seen spreading dust on these sites in high temperatures to prevent the bitumen from bleeding through.
In the first 24 hours of laying a surface dressing, we sweep the site and gather all the loose chippings into the sweeper then return them to base, where they are cleaned for use on another site. We will contune to sweep the road over the following months.
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