Are you looking for crack sealing tips? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Cracks are an inevitable reality for property owners with asphalt paving. Over time, cracks can develop due to settling, weather exposure and more. Fortunately, asphalt crack sealing is a maintenance service that can help save money and prevent further deterioration. Sealing cracks keeps water and debris out of voids, mitigating further damage while creating a smoother driving surface.
When paired with sealcoating, asphalt crack sealing products like those from Maxwell Products can keep paving in good shape for years. Here are a few crack sealing tips that can make all the difference for pavement preservation.
Are There Any Crack Sealing Tips for Ideal Climate Conditions?
One of the most important tips you can get from an asphalt crack sealing distributor is to time your maintenance appointments wisely. Sealing products need time to cure, much like sealcoating and new asphalt. Sealing voids in inclement weather could disrupt the curing and bonding process, resulting in a weak finish and more downtime.
Ask any crack sealing distributor; they’ll tell you that the best time to fill voids is spring and autumn. There are a couple of reasons why.
First, spring and autumn are when temperatures are at their most reliable. It’s not too hot or cold. Most products from asphalt crack sealing distributors perform best when used in temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another reason spring and autumn are ideal for sealing cracks is because the asphalt isn’t experiencing extreme temperatures. Asphalt cracks will expand and contract in the heat of summer and icy cold of winter. Applying asphalt crack sealing products during those extreme swings may lead to additional cracking when things level out to more moderate temperatures.
Does Preparation Matter for Asphalt Crack Filling?
Proper preparation is crucial when sealing cracks. The products you use from a crack sealing distributor must bond to the asphalt to ensure a tight, protective bond. Failing to prepare surfaces can result in premature separation and additional cracking.
There are two main preparation tasks to complete. The first is routing. Routing is a process that creates a uniform void for the asphalt crack sealing product to sit. That reservoir provides enough room for efficient thermal expansion and contraction without breaking the seal.
The second preparation task is cleaning. Dirt, chemicals, oil and vegetation can weaken the bond between the sealer products you get from crack sealing distributors and the pavement. That could result in water penetration. Cleaning gives the sealer a clean surface to bond to.
What Crack Sealing Tips Exist for Pavement Preparation?
There are many ways to approach asphalt crack sealing preparation. However, most asphalt crack sealing distributors will recommend using highly efficient tools like pavement routers, wire cleaners and air blowers.
When routing, create voids up to 1 inch wide and 1 inch deep, depending on the pavement’s condition and ground movement. Then, use a powered wire brush cleaner to blast away broken-off asphalt, dirt and debris. The final step should be to air-blast cracks to eliminate any remaining dirt.
Here’s another crack sealing tip: Consider using a hot air lance. The air will remove dirt. However, adding heat can also evaporate moisture and soften the existing asphalt binders for optimal bonding.
Does the Quality of Asphalt Crack Sealing Products Matter?
Our final tip for asphalt crack sealing is to use the right product for the job. There are plenty of asphalt crack sealing products on the market. However, using a premium sealer formulated for your climate and the pavement’s intended use is important.
Using low-quality sealer could result in premature separation and slow water penetration. It’s pivotal to use premium options that will last.
When you need top-quality asphalt crack sealer, turn to Pacidic Sealcoat Distributors. We’re a trusted sealcoating and crack sealing distributor in Milton, Washington, proudly serving asphalt maintenance professionals throughout the Pacific Northwest. We carry premium products from brands like Maxwell Products, and our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during peak maintenance season to help you find the right asphalt crack sealer for your needs.
Call Pacific Sealcoat today at (253)888-0502 for a free quote. Our team is also available via email at Pacificsealcoatgm@gmail.com. You can also submit your information through our online contact form.
