What is resealing?
Resealing is applying bitumen and aggregate to the surface of a road; it maximises the lifespan of the road, provides a smoother surface and waterproofs and protects the underlying pavement. Resealing also ensures a dust free, skid resistant surface that enhances safety and comfort for road users.
The resealing process itself does not overcome structural imperfections in the road itself. Although the surface of the road will be greatly improved, resealing a road will not return it to an ‘as new’ condition. This is not the purpose of the resealing process.
Long term, it represents sound economic and engineering practice, and is the most cost-effective solution to maximising the lifespan of our roads.
Why do we reseal?
Increasing the frequency with which Council reseals roads leads to greater protection of the underlying pavement, which in turn prevents deterioration and maximises the lifespan of the road.
Resealing a road is a bit like painting a weatherboard house periodically through its life. It allows the road to achieve its intended life as it stops the underlying structure of the road from degrading as quickly as it would without the application of the reseal.
Like with your house’s paint, it is only effective to apply a reseal to a surface in sound condition. That’s why it sometimes might look like we are working on a road that is already in reasonable condition. It’s important to understand that this is the purpose of resealing.
Long term, it represents sound economic and engineering practice, and is the most cost-effective solution to maximising the lifespan of our roads.
What’s the difference between resealing, heavy patching and pothole/shoulder repairs?
Resealing can only be carried out if the underlying pavement is in a sound condition. If some minor sections of the pavement are not in sound condition, then minor repair work is carried out prior to the reseal. These repair works can include heavy patching, and pothole and road shoulder repair.
