Asphalt Crack Repairs
The enemy to pavement longevity is the crack. The crack is a separation of the armor of preservation, allowing water to penetrate and ultimate accelerate pavement failure. Crack sealing (also spelled cracksealing) is a hot rubberized sealant poured into the crack that helps to slow or prevent additional water damage and keeps out debris, overall helping to extend the life of the pavement.
Crack sealing vs Crack filling
Due to regional terms used, both crack sealing and crack filling often mean the same thing to both customers and contractors. Some will delineate between the two, often citing crack sealing typically a rubberized sealant, while crack filling is usually an asphalt emulsion. Regardless of the definition you use, PaveGuard utilizes blends designed to best correct the problem we're hired to fix. For example, an alligator crack if severe will need to be cut out and patched. If its caught early enough, an asphalt emulsion based filler is best for the job. If you're trying to correct a transverse crack, a rubberized sealant based filler is best.
THE RISKS of Untreated Asphalt Oxidation, Untreated Asphalt Cracks
General asphalt oxidation occurs as part of the normal life for asphalt. As Asphalt is exposed to Photo Oxidation (UV Light), Thermal Oxidation (Heat) and Moisture (rain, snow, ice) in addition to traffic, automotive fluids and other stresses, the asphalt appearance changes from black to gray and continues to lighten in color. Cracks begin to appear during this oxidation process. If left untreated, a crack will become the source of a larger problem. Proactive asphalt Maintenance is key to long lasting pavement. Addressing cracks early is key in a pavement preservation program.
PRoactive Crack Repair
Before a crack is fixed, the crack must be cleaned to ensure appropriate bonding between the selected filler or sealant and the walls of the crack. Any debris or a wet crack will cause the repair to prematurely fail, and fail to do the job it was intended to do. When an asphalt crack is filled or sealed correctly, water penetration is prevented, the asphalt pavement and the base material are protected.