Asphalt Crack Sealing | Hot Rubber Crack Sealing | Cracksealing | Commercial Crack Sealing
The first signs of cracks are a warning that the pavement/asphalt is drying out due to the exposure to the sun's UV rays and temperatures. This causes the moltens to dry out and return back to its natural gas state. The gases released represent a physical matter volume and over time the pavement will shrink due to the loss of matter and rip under the contraction stresses, resulting in cracks. Now you know what causes cracks!
How should they be treated?
Cracks are #2 in the deterioration process. All cracks must be filled to protect the pavement's foundation which is the compacted crushed gravel base. Ultimately, if the base is allowed to get wet through the cracks in the surface pavement the crushed gravel base will lose its compaction, become soft and the weight of the cars and trucks traveling over these soft spots will cause the pavement to drop due to the lack of support of the firm crushed gravel base, leading to ring cracking and finally a pothole.
All cracks should be treated with a hot rubberized filler (at D.O.T. spec) and the right preparation for the application should be wisely chosen. The wrong application or wrong material will result in premature failure. The most important aspect of asphalt crack sealing longevity is crack-prep and materials. Don't install overlay bonding crack fillers -- this product is designed for pre-paving crack filler only and will not last in a direct traffic application. With dozens of alsphalt crack sealers on the market today, ranging in price and quality, you really need to know your materials and application methods. If your contractor doesn't, it will cost YOUR company money. Don't make that mistake! Call Carter Sealcoating when you want the very best in asphalt crack sealing management.
