Asphalt is undoubtedly the most common material for paving roads, parking lots, and driveways. However, over time, wear and weather conditions may cause cracks to appear in the asphalt.
The cracks, in addition to looking bad, will deteriorate and ruin the entire paved area. Cracks also damage moving vehicles. In such a case, what should be done? As a property owner, how can you repair cracks in asphalt? Will the durability and resistance of your pavement be compromised? No need to worry; we have all the answers to your questions!
Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC are experts in various paving services including asphalt repair and maintenance, paving, crack filling, and seal coating. Our experts explain each step of repairing the cracks in your residential or commercial surfaces so that you are aware of the process and repair techniques.
Schedule your next asphalt paving or repair project at industry-best rates anywhere in Medford, NJ, today!
Why Do Cracks Appear in The Asphalt?
Asphalt pavement can crack due to various factors. The most common cause is water that seeps under the asphalt surface and expands or contracts with ambient temperature changes. When filtered water freezes or thaws, the asphalt eventually cracks.
Another reason is wear and tear. Depending on the quality and durability of the asphalt mix and the work done, the vehicle load will fracture the asphalt and cause it to crack over time. In all cases, the repair must be effective and performed by professionals for long-lasting results.
Steps to Repairing Cracks in Asphalt
To promptly repair cracks and protect the durability and appearance of your pavement, as a leading asphalt contractor, we strongly recommend that you consult and hire experts like us for this type of work.
However, if the damage and cracks are not as significant or deep, you can do it yourself, with the necessary materials and the right equipment.
In any case, we will give you a general explanation of the steps to follow to repair cracks in asphalt.
1. Preliminary Preparations
Before starting a repair, you should consider a few factors. First of all, the weather conditions. You must ensure that the work is carried out on a sunny day without a chance of rain for at least 24 hours. Moreover, the crack should also be cleaned so that the patching material will adhere easily.
2. Obtain Quality Materials
The putty, sealant, and asphalt mixture itself must be of high quality and durable. Depending on the cracks’ size and extent, you must know the total amount of materials that will be used. Specialized machines must also be used for patching and filling, guaranteed by the company or expert.
The choice of sealant should also be considered based on pavement condition, climate, and surface movement. For example, regions with colder climates require softer sealants than hot climates.
3. Installation of the Panels
Suppose the repair of cracks covers a public road or a frequently used area. In that case, signaling devices must be placed along its length, under road safety rules, taking into account users, traffic, and all personnel responsible for the work.
4. Preparation and Application of the Filling
Make sure the necessary equipment is used to prepare the asphalt mixture. You must store the material at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer so that it does not deteriorate. The temperature required is usually between 200 – 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
When applying the sealant, make sure it doesn’t reach areas that are not affected by the crack; otherwise, it will become stained. Later, when the mixture has been poured into the crack, the surface must be smoothed and compacted using specialized machines or quality tools.
5. Seal the Crack
Sealing is the last step in the pavement repair process. Sealing the asphalt will prevent another leak from occurring. Asphalt seal coating is applied after the crack has been filled to ensure extended service life. However, the chosen sealant should be best suited to the filler material and the environment.
By adhering to these measures, you can guarantee a successful repair of cracks in the asphalt of your parking lot or driveway. The pavement repair process is complex and expensive, and it is best to leave the job to experts like us if the cracks are large and deep.
If you have cracks in your pavement, do not hesitate to avail our paving services. At Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC, we have several years of experience carrying out quality work at budget-friendly rates. Get a free quote for our asphalt paving and asphalt repair services in Medford,NJ, today!
