By Lori Helms
We’re officially into spring now, which means it’s crack sealing season — a time to take a look at all the potential damage Mother Nature may have visited upon us during the winter. Road surfaces and other asphalt areas have likely taken a beating over the last several months of wet and cold weather, so there’s no time like now to talk to existing clients about the status of their surfaces as well as explain to potential new clients how you can make repairs for them that are affordable, expedient and lasting.
“Crack sealing is a fundamental part of pavement preservation,” says Daniel Martin, Marketing Manager for Reed International, “offering one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the life of asphalt surfaces while reducing the need for more expensive rehabilitation down the line.” He says early crack detection and repair is critical in preserving — or even extending — the functionality of asphalt surfaces.
“Cracks in asphalt allow water to penetrate the pavement structure, leading to base failure and potholes,” Martin says. “Sealing these cracks early prevents moisture intrusion, slows deterioration and significantly extends pavement life — often by three to five years or more.” Here are what Martin sees as the key benefits of crack sealing:
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to full-depth repairs or overlays, crack sealing is a fraction of the cost yet delivers substantial long-term savings by preventing more severe pavement failure.
• Durability: Properly sealed cracks withstand traffic loads, weather conditions and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Oil-jacketed kettles provide consistent, ideal material heating, ensuring high quality, long-lasting seals.
• Efficiency & Minimal Disruption: Crack sealing is a fast process, often requiring just a few hours of work, making it ideal for high traffic areas where minimizing road closures is critical.
• Reduced Equipment & Labor Requirements: Compared to large-scale resurfacing projects, crack sealing requires fewer workers and a smaller equipment footprint, making it a practical option for both contractors and public works agencies with limited resources.
Crack sealing damaged pavement should be considered an essential part of pavement maintenance to prolong its life and maintain its structural integrity. Following is a brief overview of the critical steps in the crack sealing process and what contractor and customer alike should know:
Look Under the Hood
It all starts with assessing the condition of the pavement to identify cracks and the extent of damage. This will in large part help determine whether merely crack sealing is needed or if more extensive repairs are required. It will also enable you to identify the types of cracks to be dealt with – longitudinal, random, traverse or the very aptly described “alligator” cracks. Repairs to each type of crack are often treated differently, as Jennifer Hamilton, Equipment Sales and Marketing Manager at Marathon Equipment, explains.
“Transverse cracks are perpendicular to the direction of the pavement and are typically caused by temperature fluctuations,” Hamilton says. “Longitudinal cracks run parallel to the direction of the pavement and are often caused by improper joint construction or shrinkage of the asphalt layer. Hot-pour sealants are commonly used for transverse and longitudinal cracks, to create an adhesive bond against the intrusion of water and foreign materials.” However, she says alligator cracks are a different creature altogether.
“Alligator cracking resembles the pattern of an alligator’s skin and are a sign of serious pavement distress,” says Hamilton. “Mastic is an economical and versatile permanent repair solution for wide thermal cracks, fatigue cracking, rutting and depressed broken-up areas. It is also recommended for use around solid structures in flexible pavements like manholes, gutters and drains.”
Clean It Up
Before sealing, remove any dirt, debris and vegetation from the cracks with a wire brush, compressed air or a vacuum, to ensure that the sealant will properly adhere to the pavement. Consider using a crack cleaning machine for larger projects. Once the project area is cleaned, ensure the cracks are dry before applying the sealant.
Get Your Stuff Together
The next step is to decide which material to use depending on the type of crack to repair. For smaller projects, such as light traffic or residential areas, cold-pour sealant is a common option; for larger or commercial applications, hot-pour sealant is ideal for cracks up to one-inch wide. Polymer-modified sealants are also an option for flexibility in varying temperatures.
Patch Things Up
Once the material is selected, it’s time to apply the sealant, always referring to recommended manufacturer guidelines. For hot-pour sealants, use a pour pot or a specially designed applicator wand to apply into the cracks. Cold-pour sealants can be applied directly from the container or with a caulking gun. To ensure the material fills the crack completely, use a trowel or squeegee to smooth and level it. It’s a good idea to slightly overfill the crack, allowing the material to settle into the crack to form a strong bond. Make sure it is just above the surface of the pavement to allow for compression.
Time to Cure
Cure times can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the size of the repair and the type of sealant being used. Typically, hot-pour sealants cure faster than cold-pour materials. It’s ideal to avoid traffic on the newly sealed areas until the sealant has fully cured, and always make sure to work within the recommended temperature range for the particular material used.
Take a Look-See with the Customer
Once the surface has been inspected to ensure nothing was missed and the sealant has adhered properly, Hamilton says not to forget about one last but very important step – assuring customer satisfaction.
“After the work is complete, take the time to walk the customer through the completed work and explain if any maintenance or instructions are required for the sealed cracks,” she says. “It is important to maintain accurate records and documentation of the project, including before and after photos, what materials were used and if there are any warranties or guarantees provided. This will give the customer satisfaction and confidence with the completion of the project.”
When considering its cost effectiveness and ease of application, as well as its minimally disruptive and structural integrity benefits, crack sealing is a great alternative to repaving in order to extend the lifespan of a paved surface.
