When your pavement is rough and showing its age with cracks, potholes and other problems, getting the surface repaired quickly is essential. Smooth, top-performing asphalt makes your pavement appealing to patrons and keeps vehicles and people safe as they navigate your property.
But how do cracks in asphalt pavement get treated? Should you fill the cracks? Seal them? Both? Here’s a quick 101 on these two methods of asphalt pavement repair—as well as why we perform asphalt crack filling—so you can make an informed decision about how to maintain your asphalt.
What Is Asphalt Crack Sealing?
Asphalt crack sealing is a process that involves applying a hot sealant over a crack to prevent water from sneaking in. The rubberized makeup of crack sealant creates a flexible layer atop the crack that allows your pavement to move a bit while still offering some protection.
What Asphalt Crack Sealing Can—and Can’t—Do
Crack sealing has limited uses that property owners should know before attempting to repair asphalt pavement. Since the sealant is injected into or on top of the crack solely to lessen the chances of moisture intrusion, this method is used for very minor, shallow cracks that are less than 0.75 inches wide and that have minimal to no deterioration at the edges (such as spalling or secondary cracks).
To put it simply, the sealing method must be used when cracks are in their infancy. If the asphalt damage is considerable, crack sealing likely won’t be sufficient to protect your pavement.
What Is Asphalt Crack Filling?
A different method of addressing breaks in asphalt, crack filling is the process of injecting asphalt emulsion (a molten asphalt patch) into cracks and holes that crack sealing can’t address. The purpose is the same as sealing, though—to prevent moisture from getting deeper into your asphalt pavement and causing more damage.
What Asphalt Crack Filling Can—and Can’t—Do
Sealing cracks with hot-patch asphalt is an effective technique for addressing what are known as “nonworking cracks”—which are less than 0.1 inch wide, in pavement that doesn’t suffer from a lot of ground movement or settling. Filling deep or wide cracks and potholes with a filler can extend the life of your pavement.
As long as your pavement isn’t so broken that it needs replacement, asphalt crack filling may be an appropriate option. A team of pavement pros (like EverLine Coatings and Services) can assess your asphalt’s current condition and give you recommendations on your best course of action for repairs.
Why EverLine Coatings and Services Specializes in Asphalt Crack Filling
At EverLine Coatings and Services, we offer crack filling—not crack sealing. By filling pavement cracks, your asphalt surfaces will perform better over the long haul. Crack filling is a more versatile approach, and it is cost-effective too.
And depending on your preferences, our pro team can perform crack filling as a standalone service to address breaks in the pavement. Or, we can fill your pavement cracks as a preparation step before applying a protective asphalt sealcoating to give your property beautiful curb appeal and strong resistance to wear and tear.
Asphalt Repair & Care You Can Count on to Last
Cracked, uneven asphalt pavement isn’t just unsightly—it can also make your parking lots and foot traffic areas unsafe. So when you see signs of serious wear, make the move to get professional asphalt repairs quickly.
At EverLine Coatings & Services, we provide simple, lasting care for pavement so your asphalt surfaces last longer and give you top value for your investment. Check out our asphalt repair services to learn more about our industry-leading approach, and make your pavement a true asset to your property.
