Asphalt crack sealing
Asphalt Cracks they are slow building and almost unnoticeable process and it sneaks up on you. You don’t wake up one morning, look out your kitchen window at your driveway and say, “Oh my God! My asphalt has huge cracks in it!” Generally, asphalt cracks occur over time and slowly elongate and widen during weather changes such as freezing and thawing or intense periods of heat. A shifting foundation, heavy vehicles or even the roots of trees can also cause asphalt cracks. There is hope, though, and if you’re sitting here reading this, you can learn how to repair these jagged little monsters before they lead to even worse problems.
There are numerous supplies available that can be used to do asphalt crack sealing. Some fillers require special equipment for heating and applying and some are ready to go out of the box or can. Choose what works best for you and your budget, but remember that the important component in asphalt crack sealant is rubberized asphalt emulsion. There are also a few tools you’ll need to begin the process. First of all a chisel and hammer will work really well for chipping away any old sealer or other loose materials around the cracks. A broom or stiff brush is helpful as well for brushing away the materials and cleaning the area. Below is an image from a recent paving project in Laytonsville, Maryland.
After acquiring all of the necessary stuff, you’ll need to do one of two things. If it’s still Summer and the days are hot, you’ll need to wait until late Fall or early Winter. If its cold out, then go ahead and start fixing the cracks because this is when cracks are at their widest. Now, take your asphalt crack sealing filler (most of them are similar to caulk dispensers) and caulk it into the crack. If the crack is wider than a half-inch, you’ll need to use some type of patching compound that you can pour into the crack. Usually, asphalt crack sealing filler is ready to go within 24-hours.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure a long life for your parking lot is to fill cracks and seal it every two years. It’s a lot easier to maintain if you do this and many times will prevent cracks from worsening or better yet, developing in the first place. The best thing about a well-maintained parking lot is that it adds curb appeal and value to your business.
