The rolling pattern used for seal coats will depend largely on the number and types of rollers. For a 12-foot wide asphalt shot, the most efficient rolling system will typically involve three or four pneumatic rollers. With this number of rollers, it is possible to provide coverage with three passes (acceptable for emulsions): one forward, one in reverse, and the final pass forward extending into the first pass of the next section. It is usually better to have the rollers operating continuously rather than sitting idle. Normally, more rolling is better unless aggregate degradation is occurring.

When three or four pneumatic rollers are used, the rollers should be staggered in an echelon pattern. The lead roller is usually on the inside, and each of the others offset approximately one-third the roller width. The sketch in Figure 8‑8 illustrates the echelon pattern.