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Chip & Seal
A chip & seal driveway in Illinois

What is Chip & Seal and Why is it Essential?

Chip & seal, also known as tar and chip, is a proven paving technique that combines hot liquid asphalt with a layer of stone aggregate. The result is a textured surface that is both durable and visually appealing. Unlike traditional asphalt or concrete pavement, chip & seal provides a natural, rustic look while keeping costs manageable.

For homeowners, businesses, and municipalities across Central Illinois — including Peoria, Bloomington, and Galesburg — chip & seal is an excellent solution for driveways, parking lots, private lanes, and rural roads. It strikes the perfect balance between affordability and strength, making it ideal for properties that need long-lasting performance without breaking the budget.

At Hoerr’s Blacktop & Sealcoating, chip & seal is a cornerstone of our full line of paving services, which also includes asphalt paving and concrete pavement solutions. With decades of experience, our team helps you choose the best paving option for your unique property. When installed correctly, chip & seal isn’t just a cost-saving choice. It’s a smart investment in both function and aesthetics.

Our Proven Chip & Seal Process

Paving projects succeed or fail based on preparation, and our expert-led process ensures your surface will last for years.
Here’s how Hoerr’s Blacktop & Sealcoating delivers superior chip & seal results

  • Site Preparation: Building the Right Foundation – We start every project by grading the site, installing drainage solutions, and ensuring the base is stable. Without a proper foundation, even the best paving materials will fail. Our meticulous preparation eliminates costly future problems.
  • Application of Hot Asphalt Binder – Next, we apply a heated asphalt binder directly onto the prepared surface. This creates the adhesive layer that bonds the stone aggregate securely to the ground.
  • Stone Aggregate Application: Strength & Style – We carefully spread clean, high-quality stone chips across the asphalt binder. By selecting the right size and type of stone, we can customize the appearance of your pavement while maximizing performance.
  • Rolling and Compaction: Locking it in Place – Heavy-duty rollers press the aggregate firmly into the asphalt. This creates a tight, uniform surface that resists traffic wear and provides excellent traction.
  • Finishing Touches for a Polished Look – After compaction, we sweep away excess stone and inspect the surface to ensure even coverage. The result is a pavement that looks clean, professional, and built to endure Central Illinois weather extremes.

This proven process blends strength, efficiency, and beauty, making chip & seal a time-tested alternative to traditional asphalt paving.

Hoerr’s Blacktop shows the chip & seal process on a city street in Illinois

Paving Smart: The Benefits of Chip & Seal

When you choose Hoerr’s Blacktop & Sealcoating for chip & seal, you gain access to a paving method that offers multiple advantages

Together, these benefits make chip & seal a smart choice for property owners seeking a reliable and attractive surface without overspending.

  • Cost-Effective Investment – Get the durability of pavement at a fraction of the price of asphalt or concrete, making it ideal for long driveways, private roads, or budget-conscious projects.
  • Attractive, Rustic Appearance – The stone finish adds natural beauty to rural settings and enhances curb appeal for residential and commercial properties alike.
  • Durability You Can Count On – Properly installed chip & seal holds up against heavy use, temperature swings, and Central Illinois weather conditions.
  • Customizable Finish Options – Choose from a variety of stone sizes and colors to achieve a look that matches your property’s style.
  • Low-Maintenance Longevity – Unlike asphalt, chip & seal doesn’t require frequent sealing. Over time, an additional chip layer can refresh the surface at a lower cost.

Why Central Illinois Trusts Hoerr’s Blacktop & Sealcoating

Not all paving contractors deliver the same results. Here’s why property owners in Peoria, Bloomington, Galesburg, and surrounding areas consistently choose us for chip & seal services

  • A Legacy of Experience – We bring decades of hands-on expertise to every project, with specialized knowledge in chip & seal, asphalt paving, and concrete pavement.
  • Results That Speak for Themselves – From residential driveways to municipal roads, our projects consistently deliver long-term value and customer satisfaction.
  • Backed by Community Trust – Our reputation is built on professionalism, transparency, and outstanding craftsmanship. Local clients return to us again and again because they know we deliver what we promise.
  • Premium Materials, Superior Techniques – We use only top-grade asphalt binders and carefully sourced stone aggregates, ensuring that your surface performs at its best.

"A great team to work with. I would recommend them to anyone!"

- Anna D.

"What a great group!"

- A.T.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chip & Seal

How long does a chip & seal surface last?

Is chip & seal better than asphalt?

Can chip & seal be applied over an existing driveway?

An asphalt roller compactor finishes up a chip & seal process in a rural area.

A Full Range of Paving and Site Solutions

Chip & seal is an excellent choice for many properties, but it’s just one part of our complete paving services. We offer other solutions to ensure you get the perfect surface for your needs:

  • Asphalt Paving: A flexible and cost-effective choice for driveways, parking lots, and roads, offering a smooth finish and quick installation.
  • Concrete Pavement: Ideal for heavy-duty applications, offering exceptional strength and a long lifespan for curbs, sidewalks, and high-traffic pads.

To ensure your project is successful from start to finish, we also provide expert site preparation and long-term maintenance. Our other services include:

Pavement Maintenance & Repair:

  • Asphalt Seal Coating
  • Asphalt Repair
  • Asphalt Milling
  • Parking Lot Striping

Site Preparation Services:

  • Excavation Services
  • Property Drainage Solutions
  • Pavement Base Installation

Ready to Get Started with Chip & Seal?

Your property deserves a pavement solution that’s durable, attractive, and affordable. At Hoerr’s Blacktop & Sealcoating, we bring experience, quality materials, and proven techniques to every project. Our chip & seal services are trusted by homeowners, businesses, and municipalities across Central Illinois — including Peoria, Bloomington, and Galesburg.

Call us today at 309-222-2979 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Let’s build a surface that stands the test of time.