Prevention is Key
It is critical to seal asphalt cracks as soon as they start to develop. Asphalt crack sealing is an inexpensive repair service that can be performed year round. It extends the lifespan of the pavement by preventing additional water erosion that seeps into the asphalt. Crack sealing can also prevent trip hazards and other liability issues from occurring on your property. The quality of your customers driving experience is also improved by providing a smooth surface for traffic to pass over.
What causes the asphalt to crack?
Asphalt can crack due to multiple reasons. The most common cause is the oxidation that occurs due to the sun's ultraviolet rays. The uv light drys out the liquid asphalt binder, which in turn causes the pavement to lose flexibility. As the pavement shrinks and expands throughout the day, cracks begin to form on the surface. Moisture is another factor. As it penetrates under the asphalt surface it can freeze and thaw during the winter months. Once this problem arises it ran rapidly begin the deterioration process and form potholes, which will require additional repairs.
Types of asphalt cracks we can repair.
| CRACK TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| FATIGUE | Also known as alligator cracking. Repetitive passing of overweight vehicles stress the pavement due to poor quality construction or inadequate pavement thickness. |
| BLOCK | This is a combination of both longitudinal and transverse cracks. These are typically found in low traffic areas. |
| EDGE | Edge cracks are formed from a lock of support at the pavement edge. They are found running the length of the road within one or two feet of the edge of the pavement. |
| SLIPPAGE | A poor bond of pavement layers is the main cause with this type of crack. They often appear in areas where vehicles brake, turn, and accelerate. |
| REFLECTION | This is a crack that forms as a result of underlying pavement movement from an asphalt overlay or cracks in a concrete foundation. |
| TRANSVERSE | These are cracks caused by low temperatures that shrink the HMA layer. Generally they run perpendicular to the roadway. |
| LONGITUDINAL | This type runs along the length of the roadway. They often form at the joint between adjacent lanes or at the edge of high traffic wheel paths. Improper compaction during construction is a cause of this type. |