Crack filling asphalt & concrete pavement is a very common and worthwhile maintenance procedure. Crack Filling seals off the crack opening on the pavement surface, and prevents moisture and precipitation from getting down into the base of the asphalt or concrete.
Crack Filling Asphalt or Blacktop Pavement
The most commonly used sealants for crack filling asphalt or blacktop pavement are known as “hot pour” or hot applied, rubberized crack fillers. These are best applied by experienced contractors or municipal street department crews. When you notice black bands covering the cracks on roads, streets, and parking lots, you are most likely seeing hot applied crack fillers. Sealcoating companies or maintenance crews have specialized equipment that melts blocks of rubberized asphalt and apply to asphalt cracks to protect cracks from intrusion of water. When the hot liquid material cools to ambient temperature, it solidifies into a flexible, rubber-like band. As with many processes, preparation of the cracks is very important. Prior to filling with hot pour, cracks are blown dry with a heat lance of hot air. These propane-fired heat lances burn away moderate vegetation as they dry the asphalt cracks to prepare for good adhesion of the hot applied crack filler. If any moisture is in the crack, it can break the bond of the materials.
Cold Applied Crack Fillers & Sealants
The other commonly used form of products for asphalt or concrete pavement cracks are cold applied crack fillers & sealants. For asphalt or blacktop pavement, a majority of cold applied crack fillers are asphalt based, just like the binder holding asphalt pavement together. There are also acrylic-based crack sealants that are available in black for asphalt or many other colors to match concrete and colored sport surfaces. Both asphalt and acrylic crack sealants are water-based, which means water is the vehicle that thins the solids for application. Once the cold applied crack fillers are applied, the water evaporates and they dry. Since these are both water-based, it is not necessary for the cracks to be completely dry before application. Here are a few common forms of cold applied crack fillers & sealants:
- Pourable Crack Fillers & Sealants
- Trowel Grade Crack Fillers & Sealants
- Squeegee applied products to fill alligatored areas
- Polyurethane Crack Fillers (Usually more common on concrete cracks and expansion joints)
Asphalt & Concrete Crack Repair
Asphalt & concrete crack repair is commonly performed by sealcoating companies, prior to sealcoating the entire surface. Keeping cracks closed off between sealcoating cycles is important to the long-term longevity of your asphalt or concrete investment. Cold applied methods of crack repair can be used by homeowners and maintenance crews to maintain the cracks between contractor sealcoating applications. For more information, contact a local pavement maintenance or sealcoating contractor in your area, through our page navigation.