Asphalt pavements are attractive and economical to construct. If they receive adequate care, they can also have extremely long lives. However, given time, even the best-built asphalt pavements will develop cracks. If these cracks are left open to the elements, they can put your entire pavement in jeopardy. There are two methods that asphalt contractors use to repair cracks; they can fill them, or they can seal them. Although either method can successfully close an open crack, crack sealing is typically the better option.
Asphalt Crack Sealing Versus Filler – What Is the Best Option?
What Is Crack Sealing?
When sealing a crack in asphalt pavement, contractors use a flexible, rubberized material that will expand and contract with the pavement. Depending on the nature of the crack, your parking lot paving contractor may place the sealant inside the void. Regardless of whether material is introduced into the void, the contractor will cover the top of the crack with the sealant, which will extend a bit onto the undamaged pavement next to the crack. In most instances, sealing is considered a permanent repair.
What Is Crack Filling?
When performing asphalt crack filling, parking lot paving contractors use a very different material from the material used for sealing a crack. Asphalt crack filler is not rubberized, so it becomes hard, inflexible, and brittle when it cures. Due to its inflexibility, asphalt crack filler cannot expand or contract with the pavement’s movement. Therefore, paving companies usually classify filling as a temporary repair method.
Is Crack Sealing Always Better Than Crack Filling?
Experienced asphalt maintenance contractors know that each method has advantages and disadvantages. For example, asphalt crack sealing is a little more expensive than filling, but repeatedly replacing the fill material typically ends up costing more in the long run. Crack sealants are appropriate for virtually all types of cracks, but sealing is the better option for working cracks. Fillers can lose their bond with the walls of the crack, and the fill material can be forced from the void. However, in the final analysis, the important thing is to close the crack so that water cannot enter through the opening. Water penetration is the primary cause of foundation destabilization, which is a far more expensive problem to repair. The best thing to do is to discuss your plans, budget, and other considerations with a reputable paving maintenance contractor to determine the appropriate repair method for your specific circumstances.
Let Alpha Paving Help
Alpha Paving is a full-service paving contractor serving most of Central Texas from our office in Round Rock. Our services include asphalt crack repair, asphalt paving, parking lot maintenance, asphalt overlays, street maintenance, asphalt repairs, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, speed bump installation, parking lot signage, thermoplastic pavement markings, and asphalt sealcoating. We also repair concrete and install concrete ramps, curbs, gutters, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways. We frequently provide our services to municipalities, shopping centers, airports, religious institutions, HOAs, health care facilities, hotels, industrial facilities, property management firms, dining establishments, educational facilities, office parks, apartment complexes, subdivisions, and condominiums. We have an outstanding reputation for consistently providing work of the highest quality at competitive prices. If you are interested in preparing a free quote for you, you can submit our request form online, email Info@AlphaPaving.com, or call 512-677-9001.
