Asphalt cracks are like parasites to your asphalt asset. Unless filled, they continue to grow and expand until costly asphalt repair is necessary.
Asphalt is a combination of different sizes of mixed rock aggregate and asphalt binder. The asphalt binder is the glue that holds the asphalt together and keeps its composition.
Over time, especially if unsealed, the asphalt begins to dry out because of the sun’s rays, wear and tear, and drastic temperature changes.
Like your skin, when the asphalt dries out is more prone to cracking and surface imperfections.
Cracks in our industry are compared to parasites.
Inevitably, cracks begin to form in your asphalt and, unless filled, will start to penetrate deeper due to water erosion and the freeze-thaw cycle during the winter.
These cracks increase in size both in width and depth. Both are detrimental to your asphalt.
When cracks widen past an inch, they are past the point of return, and crack filling will no longer be a viable solution to recover the damage.
Furthermore, when cracks grow deeper, they get closer to reaching the base layer. When this occurs, your asphalt can begin to buckle and potholes form.
Crack filling is the solution to these issues. On the day of work, a professional asphalt contractor will arrive on-site and clean the cracks of dust, dirt, debris, and vegetation.
Then, a hot-pour rubber crack filler (specifically formulated for roads and parking lots, ensuring its durability) will be melted in a crack filler machine and carefully poured into the cracks until an over-band seam is formed, ensuring no water will enter your cracks.
The reason spring is the best time to crack fill… the winter is the hardest on the crack filler’s life. Snow plows scraping the crack filler and the cold Canadian winter are harsh on everything, especially crack filler.
That is why it is recommended to crack fill in the spring; it will allow you to get the best “bang for your buck” as the crack filler will protect throughout the spring, summer, and fall with minimal damage compared to the winter months.
Furthermore, the asphalt is between its expansion and contraction movements in the spring, making this the best time to set the asphalt crack filler in the crack.
Lastly, crack filling is the most cost-effective form of maintenance for your asphalt!
With all of this said, crack filling seems like a no-brainer. The issue, however, is education. Unfortunately, many property owners and maintenance managers do not know the importance of crack filling in the early stages before it is too late.
At Infinity Asphalt, our goal is to educate as many asphalt owners on the importance of preventative maintenance.
Crack filling costs around $1.00 per linear foot (depending on the crack), whereas repaving can cost $15.00 per square foot!
Avoid this costly expense by keeping up with your preventative maintenance and hiring a trusted asphalt contractor to care for your asphalt asset.
At Infinity Asphalt we only use the best materials and equipment for the job. Our crews are trained in crack filling and will help you prevent further deterioration of your asphalt before it is too late!
Contact us today for a free consultation!
Brent Schuldhaus is the founder and president of Infinity Asphalt. He grew up in Calgary, Alberta, played junior hockey for three years, graduated from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University in Ontario with a Bachelor of Commerce and went on to found Infinity Asphalt in 2019.
