Asphalt Crack Filling and Crack Sealing
San Antonio Asphalt Crack Sealing
Asphalt crack filling or asphalt crack sealing is a driveway or parking lot repair that helps prevent pavement deterioration. One of the key benefits of asphalt is its longevity if adequately maintained. Asphalt crack filling or crack sealing helps prevent water from infiltrating lower asphalt base or subbase levels.
Suppose your blacktop is beginning to crack, and it's not addressed in a timely fashion; the cracks will start to spread, causing the adjacent pavement to weaken. Asphalt crack repair will no longer be feasible at a certain point. We will need to consider a larger repair such as an overlay or a complete tear-out and repave. An effective asphalt maintenance program that includes a crack filling service can extend your pavement's life by slowing the spread of asphalt cracking.
Type of asphalt cracks
Not all asphalt cracks are the same. Your pavement can experience different types of cracking such as:
- Reflection Cracking
- Block Cracks
- Transverse cracking
- Edge Cracks
- Fatigue cracking
- Joint Cracks
Asphalt Reflection Cracking
If an asphalt overlay has been placed over previously cracked pavement, sometimes the original cracking can 'reflect' upwards from the original pavement to the surface. Reflection cracking is often caused by the original pavement shifting or moving.
Asphalt Block Cracking
Block cracks get their name by the appearance of blocks when the cracks intersect at right angles. Block cracking can be caused by extreme heat, lack of traffic, or lack of moisture. Without consistent traffic and moisture, the asphalt can essentially dry out and become less malleable. Depending on the severity of the block cracking, sometimes crack sealing can be a remedy; however, an overlay may be necessary in more extreme cases.
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Asphalt Transverse Cracking
Transverse cracks are often caused by shrinkage of the asphalt surface layer due to the binder hardening or due to low temperatures. Transverse cracks appear perpendicular to the center line and can run the width of the pavement. Transverse cracks less than 1/2" wide are often able to be filled with a crack sealer. If wider than 1/2", it may require an overlay.
Asphalt Edge Cracking
Edge cracks appear within 1-2 feet of the edge of the pavement. Likely causes of edge cracking are settling of the base, erosion, and poor drainage.
Pavement Fatigue Cracking
Sometimes called alligator cracks, fatigue cracks are caused by pavement use, aging, and excessive load. Over time these cracks become interconnected, giving the pavement the appearance of scales or alligators skin. There is no one-size-fits-all resolution for fatigue cracking. If your pavement is experiencing fatigue cracking, give San Antonio Paving Solutions a call so we can come out to evaluate the damage and recommend a solution.
Asphalt Joint Cracks
Joint cracks appear along the joints in the asphalt mats. Blacktop joint cracks can be caused if the asphalt mats aren't bonded correctly during installation or if the layers below the surface shift causing the mats to shift, breaking the joint.
Slippage Cracks
Slippage cracks are caused by heavy traffic that brakes or encounters turning wheels over time. This causes the blacktop to shift and become distorted. This sliding of the surface layer is often caused by the bond between the surface and the underlying layer failing. The only solution for repairing this type of cracking is the removal of the affected pavement and replacement.
Asphalt Crack Filling Process
If we determine that crack filling or crack sealing is an appropriate solution, we will follow a specific process to ensure that you will be 100% satisfied with the repair. Before we can apply the crack sealer, we will thoroughly clean the area and ensure the cracks are free of any dirt or debris. We then inject a hot crack sealer into the crack under pressure and set it. We make sure that the filler is injected at the proper temperature and under the correct pressure to ensure proper adhesion and longevity.
San Antonio Asphalt Crack Filling Service
If you're noticing cracks in your asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot, you don't want to wait to address the issue. Give us a call at San Antonio Paving Solutions so we can evaluate the condition of your pavement and propose a plan to repair and restore your pavement to its former luster!
