Asphalt is built to last, but it still requires regular maintenance.
If you notice cracks forming in your asphalt driveway or parking lot, you should repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Crack sealing is the best way to restore asphalt. This guide will help you understand what crack sealing is, how it works, and why it’s so effective for asphalt repair.
Key Takeaways
- Crack sealing protects asphalt from damage and deterioration.
- Sealants can withstand pavement movements as the temperature changes, so the results last for many years.
- To be performed correctly, crack sealing requires careful preparation and attention to detail.
What Is Asphalt Crack Sealing?
Asphalt crack sealing is the application of adhesive material into or over cracks on the surface of the pavement.
The sealing process helps to restore the asphalt and prevent further damage.
Crack sealing can be beneficial for driveways, roads, parking lots, and other asphalt surfaces.
Why Asphalt Cracks
When asphalt is properly poured and sealed, it’s less likely to develop cracks. However, any asphalt surface can crack under certain conditions.
Here are the most common causes of asphalt cracking:
- Water damage
- Tree roots extending under the pavement surface
- Improper installation
- Leaking oil from vehicles
- Sun damage
- Extreme changes in temperature
- Winter freeze and thaw cycles
- Normal aging and wear and tear
Benefits of Asphalt Crack Sealing
Crack sealing serves a valuable purpose for your driveway, roadway, or parking lot. Some of the key benefits of asphalt crack sealing include:
- Prevents further damage: When untreated, pavement cracks can worsen until they turn into dangerous potholes or sinkholes. While 75% of unsealed cracks turn into potholes within three years, only 1% of sealed cracks do.
- Extends pavement’s lifespan: Crack sealing can add at least three to five years to your pavement’s lifespan.
- Cost-effective: Crack sealing is far less expensive than fully replacing and resealing your driveway.
- Environmentally friendly: Crack sealing uses 13 to 38 times less energy than hot mix paving. It can also be completed with recycled materials, making it a more sustainable solution.
When Should I Seal Cracks in My Asphalt?
Early fall is the best time to complete a crack sealing project.
Unsealed cracks can widen and worsen in the winter, so it’s best to seal them up before this happens.
Spring can be a good time to seal asphalt cracks, too.
Because weather conditions are mild in spring and fall, the cracks won’t be fully open or fully closed. This will help you seal them properly so that they can withstand the harsh temperatures in summer and winter.
Signs Your Asphalt Needs to Be Sealed
The sooner you get to work on sealing your driveway, the easier the project will be.
Here are some signs to look out for that indicate your asphalt needs repair:
- Asphalt is fading in color
- Visible cracks
- Potholes or sinkholes
- Asphalt has a rough or pitted surface
- Poor drainage
- Oil stains on the surface
How to Seal Asphalt Cracks
1. Route the Cracks
Asphalt cracks sometimes need to be routed, which involves grinding a channel along the length of the crack.
This creates a smooth and uniform space so that the sealant can spread evenly and fill the crack all the way to the bottom.
Generally, cracks up to 1 inch in width should be routed.
If the pavement is heavily cracked or distressed, however, routing may cause more damage.
2. Clean the Surface
Before applying sealant, you also need to remove dirt, grass, and other debris from the cracks. This allows the sealant to properly adhere to the pavement.
You can use compressed air to clean out the asphalt cracks.
3. Select the Sealant
There are a wide variety of sealants on the market that all have different properties.
Stiffer sealants may be better for driveways or parking lots. Flexible sealants are often used for roadways.
Climate is another consideration. If you live in a cooler region, you may need to use a flexible sealant to accommodate the movement of the pavement with the changing temperatures.
4. Gather Your Materials
To properly seal cracks in your asphalt, you need some specialized equipment.
First, you’ll need a melter to heat the asphalt to the correct temperature.
Melters come in different sizes and use different heating systems, so the right option for you depends on the size of the project and the type of sealant you’ll use.
You should also obtain a hose and wand to apply the sealant to the pavement. You may need a variety of wand tips so that you can properly apply the sealant to cracks of differing widths or angles.
It’s helpful to have a squeegee to level out the sealant after applying it, too.
5. Heat the Sealant
When you’re ready to start filling the cracks, heat the sealant in the melter to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Most types of sealant need to be heated to 380 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the sealant is too cool, it won’t adhere properly to the asphalt. If it’s too hot, it may degrade and lose its effectiveness.
Continue to monitor the temperature of the sealant as you complete the project.
6. Fill the Cracks
There are several different techniques for applying sealant to asphalt cracks. Two of the most commonly used methods are flush fill and overband.
Flush filling involves applying the sealant so that it’s flush with the pavement.
With the overband technique, the sealant fills the crack and forms a wider band over the top of the crack. This method is typically used when there’s deterioration on the edges of a crack.
Follow the instructions from the sealant’s manufacturer when applying the material.
Some manufacturers recommend you partially fill the crack with sealant, let it cool, and then finish filling it. Others suggest you apply the sealant all at once.
7. Let the Sealant Cure
Exposing the newly sealed pavement to traffic too early could affect the results of the project.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how long the sealant needs to cure.
DIY vs Professional Asphalt Crack Sealing
If your driveway is in need of only minor repairs, you could take on a DIY crack sealing project.
Some homeowners mix the sealant in a bucket and apply it by hand.
However, proper crack sealing that will last for years requires the use of specialized equipment, such as a melter and router.
Renting this equipment for a DIY project can be costly.
It’s usually best to hire a professional for crack sealing because they have the right equipment and materials to deliver high-quality results.
A paving expert can recommend the right type of sealant for your driveway and will follow best practices to ensure the sealant adheres correctly to the asphalt.
In Need of Crack Sealing Services? We’re Here to Help!
Crack sealing can extend the lifespan of your driveway, roadway, or parking lot by many years.
If you’re looking for crack sealing or other asphalt repair services in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, or Monterey Counties, Betz Works is here to help.
Contact us today for your free quote.
FAQ
What is the difference between crack sealing and crack filling?
Crack filling is the application of filler into asphalt cracks to reduce water damage. It extends the lifespan of the pavement by one or two seasons, and it’s a budget-friendly repair option.
However, the crack filler will separate from the asphalt if the pavement moves, leaving the surface vulnerable to damage.
Therefore, it’s only recommended for cracks that experience little movement.
Crack sealing is a much longer-lasting repair. It’s more flexible and will continue to adhere to the asphalt even as the temperature changes and the pavement moves.
How long does the asphalt crack sealer last?
If applied properly, high-quality asphalt crack sealer can last for 10 years or even longer.
How much does asphalt crack sealing typically cost?
The cost of crack sealing depends on the size of the project, the type of sealant you use, and whether you complete the job yourself or hire a professional.
On average, crack sealing costs around $1 per linear foot.