How Do Cracks Form?

Cracks are a result of distressed asphalt pavement and a warning sign that you need proper asphalt maintenance. Distressed pavement often comes from normal wear and tear as heavy traffic and New England weather take their toll on the pavement.

There are a number of different types of cracks and possible causes. We won't bore you with the technicals but if you want to nerd out, here's a great overview from Asphalt Institute. These distresses accumulate over time and can compound if not treated. It's important to address these issues as soon as possible to extend the life of your pavement. 

The Danger of not repairing cracks

  • Rain, water, and other chemicals are able to get into the crack creating further damage
  • UV sun rays deteriorate the inside walls of the crack
  • Snow and ice in the winter can freeze and thaw inside the crack, making it worse
  • Untreated cracks will continue to spread and in some cases form potholes
  • Cracks can be tripped over which is a safety hazard for the public

How To Repair Asphalt Cracks

The most economical solution to slow down further damage is to apply a crack sealant (also referred to as a crack-filler). This will seal and protect the crack from the dangers listed above; primarily water and sun damage. This is the best option for most cracks. The only other long-term fix would be ripping up the affected area and either patching, or repaving the asphalt... which can be very expensive. 

There are two categories of crack-sealants:

  1. Hot Pour
  2. Cold Pour
Alligator cracks are these groups of small cracks that look like chicken wire.

Alligator cracks are these groups of small cracks that look like chicken wire.

Hot Pour

This is a rubberized crack sealant that gets heated up in a machine and poured into the crack. Once it dries, the rubber is flexible and will expand and contract with the asphalt, keeping it's seal and providing excellent protection. 

Hot pour is the best option for most properties. It lasts longer than cold pour and provides better protection. However, it's not the kind of thing you want to DIY because of the hot temperature of the rubber. 

cOLD POUR

Cold pour crack sealant is a cheaper option than hot pour and is more suitable for DIY jobs. If there are only a few cracks, you can usually get by with a cold pour sealant. Cold pours don't have the rubberized flexibility that hot pours do. After a winter, you'll start to see cracks within the sealant which will let in water and moisture.

Our Process

Proper asphalt maintenance includes crack-repair AND sealcoating. It's best to repair any cracks at the same time as you sealcoat to ensure the best protection and extend the like of the asphalt. During our free consultation, we will go over your property and estimate any crack-repair needed along with our sealcoating quote. 

For larger, commercial properties, we almost always use hot pour. We heat the rubberized blocks up to 400 degrees in a walk-behind pouring kettle for precise application. We only use cold pour if there's just one or two small length cracks on a driveway. Prior to using the crack-sealant, we clean the cracks of any vegetation or shrubbery, trash, and excess sand so the sealant can adhere to the asphalt and fill the crack. 

Once crack-filled, the property is ready to be sealcoated. This will cover up the crack sealant and give the property a beautiful, new appearance.