A chip seal is a roadway surface treatment that consists of a layer(s) of asphalt binder (hot or emulsion) with a layer(s) of embedded aggregate. Chip seals provide a new skid resistant wearing surface, stops raveling, seals minor cracks, and retards further deterioration of the existing roadway.  Chip seal binders can be polymer modified as well to improve aggregate retention and provide for a quicker return to traffic.