Why Is Asphalt Crack Repair Important?
In most cases, serious damage to an asphalt pavement begins with open cracks. Asphalt cracks give water an easy way to penetrate deep into the structure of the pavement. Open cracks also allow vehicle fluids to bypass your sealcoating and penetrate multiple courses of your pavement. Seeds that blow in can take root in open cracks, and the weeds or other plants can also inflict damage. Over time, your pavement and its supporting foundation will lose structural integrity. Alligator cracking, potholes, and birdbaths develop. Crack sealing or crackfilling can close the openings so that water, petrochemicals, and vegetation cannot take advantage of the situation.
What Causes Asphalt Cracks?
When an asphalt pavement is new, it is typically more difficult for cracks to form. The asphalt still maintains enough moisture to remain flexible. However, within a few years, the ultraviolet radiation that the sun emits starts to dry out the asphalt. The pavement becomes so brittle that even normal traffic can cause cracks. Cracks can also be the result of the petroleum-based fluids that vehicles can deposit on your pavement. Petrochemicals accelerate the deterioration of asphalt pavements by wreaking havoc on the asphalt binder. Without a binding agent to hold everything together, the pavement becomes a soft, crumbly mess. Cracks can develop, and they can quickly turn into potholes.
When Should I Repair Cracks in My Asphalt Pavement?
The consensus among asphalt professionals is that you should repair cracks as quickly as possible. Ask your contractor to inspect your pavement every autumn and every spring to identify and repair significant cracks. A significant crack is one that is more than approximately 0.25 inch in depth or width.
How Do Contractors Make Asphalt Crack Repairs?
The contractor will start by cleaning out the crack to remove dirt, vegetation, or loose gravel. If necessary, a contractor will use a router to make the walls of the crack smooth and uniform. Usually, the contractor will also meticulously clean the pavement adjacent to the crack. Finally, the contractor will repair the crack by using either asphalt crack sealing or asphalt crack filling techniques.
1. Asphalt crack sealing is the most popular method for repairing virtually all types of cracks. Typically, crack sealing involves placing a rubberized material over the top of the crack and along the crack’s edges. Sometimes, the contractor may also place the material inside the crack as well. Because the material is rubberized, it remains flexible, so it moves with the pavement when temperatures fluctuate. When expansion and contraction occur, the bond between the material and the pavement will remain intact. This repair method is normally the longest-lasting, but it is slightly more expensive than the second method.
2. Asphalt crack filling involves inserting material into the open crack, and some contractors may also extend the material along the edges. Crack filler is typically rubberized, so it becomes rigid and slightly flexible when it cures. This means that it can lose its bond or crack when extreme temperatures occur. Depending on the type of crack, the weather, and the type of filler, the repair might not last for more than a year or two.
We have many years of industry experience, and we have established an extraordinary reputation for quality, integrity, and service. We offer a wide range of services and products, including Asphalt Paving, Safe Seal Sealcoating, Parking Lot Striping, Asphalt Milling, Snow Removal, Asphalt Patching, ADA compliance, Crack Repairs, and Infrared Asphalt Repair. We offer free quotes, so submit our online request form today at GlobalAsphalt.com. If you prefer, you can call us at 231-715-7899 or 800-ASPHALT. Contractors call ahead to purchase bulk Safe Seal sealcoat, Derry crack sealants, and other asphalt supplies.
