A slurry seal is a thin layer of asphalt emulsion, aggregate and sand. Slurry seals are used to seal the existing pavement against intrusion of water, fill in small cracks, provide a uniform surface and restore surface friction, which improves drivability and skid resistance. Slurry seals are beneficial on streets with older pavement, or where surface material has begun to wear off leaving a rough surface. They protect pavement from oxidation, which leads to brittleness and cracking, and keep water out of the road base by sealing existing cracks. Since slurry seals do not add any structural value to a road they are best used on local road with little structural damage and where regular truck traffic is not expected.
