Why fill the cracks?
Hydraulic pressure (water freezing and thawing) causes small surface cracks to enlarge until the pavement actually separates. Cracks allow water to penetrate to the subsurface and rupture the pavement. Damage occurs faster under heavy traffic and/or during freeze-thaw cycles. Cracks ultimately lead to pot holes.
Cracks in your pavement even 1/4″ wide allow water and debris to penetrate and ultimately leads to erosion of the asphalt foundation. Sealing the cracks protects your investment and extends the life of your pavement.
What causes cracks?
Unprotected surfaces oxidize (bleach out), while gasoline and oil drippings soften the asphalt surface and cause localized pavement failure. These petroleum stained areas give the parking lot a dirty, uncared for appearance. As a result, unprotected pavement loses flexibility, aggregate levels are removed from the surface, and the pavement becomes rough. The surface becomes brittle and cracks develop. Once a small crack develops, water penetrates. Add freeze/thaw cycles of the New England weather, and a crack will widen, causing increased damage (and eventually pot holes).
How are cracks filled?
Using specialized equipment, we clean and dry cracks 1/8″ – 1″ wide, removing grass and debris. We then apply a hot poured rubber sealant directly into the crack. An anti-tacking agent is often applied to help keep the rubber in place. Larger cracks require asphalt patching, and smaller ones (or alligator cracks) are not suitable for hot rubber, as they can’t “hold” the material.
What time of year should cracks be filled?
The best time to fill cracks is when there is no frost in the ground. We do most of our crackfilling either prior to sealcoating in the Summer, or in the Fall when the rubber sets up quickly and before Winter comes.