Asphalt, like most manmade structures require maintenance. Maintaining asphalt involves sealcoating the asphalt surface about every five years or so. It involves repairing potholes, craters and cracks when they occur. Cracks in the asphalt is never a good thing. The cracks allow water to seep into the asphalt which can erode the grading/soil that supports the asphalt. Andersen Asphalt & Striping will share what you need to know about crack sealing and how it helps to maintain your asphalt.
When Should Crack Sealing Be Done?
Crack sealing is not like seal coating where it is a maintenance you perform every five years or so. Crack sealing is a repair that you will want to schedule as soon as you discover the cracks. Crack sealing is a preventive repair that stops water from seeping under the asphalt’s surface. If water gets underneath the asphalt, it will erode the soil that supports the asphalt structure. When the support soil is compromised, you will get potholes, alligator cracking, and degrading of the asphalt. It is best to have cracks repaired before the rainy season. However you can get cracks sealed any time.
How Does Crack Sealing Work?
When repairing cracks in the asphalt, the process includes routing and then sealing or filling of the crack. Routing is done to expand the crack so the cracks are ¼ of an inch. The crack’s width will need to be expanded to ensure the sealant is properly filled within the crack. The sealant is a rubberized mixture. Therefore, if the crack is too thin the sealant will not properly enter and seal the cracks. Before the rubberized sealant is applied the cracks are cleaned out. Afterward, the rubber can finally be installed. The rubber expands as it cures, which will provide an air tight seal ensuring water does not seep through the cracks.
Importance of Crack Sealing
Crack seal is a great way to maintain asphalt and to prevent major repairs or even asphalt replacements. However, there is a time and place for when crack sealing is an option. Depending on the condition or the problem of the asphalt, crack sealing may not be an option. When the asphalt develops problems such as potholes or alligator cracking, the damage is done. You cannot use crack sealing to repair the asphalt in those cases. In some cases, the site can be patched at the site of the potholes or alligator cracks. However, if the asphalt has too many potholes and alligator cracks, it may be time to have the entire asphalt surface scraped up and replaced. When repairing potholes and alligator cracks, you may also need to have the asphalt seal coated at that time. If the cracks develop into a much more severe problem, more aggressive repairs will be needed. That is why you should regularly monitor the condition of the asphalt. As soon as cracks develop, have them repaired to extend the life of your asphalt.
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For crack sealing and other asphalt services, Andersen Asphalt & Striping can help you maintain and care for your asphalt.