How to fix asphalt cracks

Asphalt is one of the most common material used for making parking lots, paving streets, highways and driveways. As the material is porous it is prone to damage and can develop cracks and dips over time. Thus, it is essential to take good care of the asphalt surface and repair cracks or any holes that develop. The good thing is that it is not that difficult to take care of the asphalt surface and fix those cracks. Asphalt structures require concerted efforts to function well and make for an efficient use.

Why those cracks develop?
The most common cause of cracks that develop in the asphalt layer is because of the water that enters the cracks and seeps below the surface. There is might contract or expand, depending on the temperatures, thus adding to the damage. These can impose dynamic stresses and can impact on the structure negatively, that can lead to early cracking of the asphalt. Ignoring those cracks can cause more moisture to penetrate under the surface and cause more damage. Another reason why those cracks need to be repaired as soon as possible is that vegetation begins to grow in them as those roots get bigger and deep, it gets more challenging to take care of the cracks.

Repairing the cracks and damage
Filling those cracks in time is an essential part of extending the life of the asphalt parking lot or driveway. Rubberized Asphalt Crack Filler is one of the most common methods used and the formula is available in cold and hot options and is easy to work with. Those cracks which are more than one inch wide can be repaired with a pourable asphalt patch product. Before patching the asphalt surface, it is essential to clean and smooth to damaged surface or the affected area, so that the patching material can stick easily. Remove any asphalt pieces that block the crack with the help of a hammer and chisel. Use a wire wheel or wire brush to remove dirt and debris. Resin-based decking coating systems work as a protective coating.

One should be aware that there would be different patching materials required to fill the smaller and larger cracks. The cracks should be absolutely clean and dried before filling them up. Wear safety goggles to prevent any harm to the eyes and pour the filler carefully into the crack. Once the cracks in the asphalt are filled up, smooth the surface of the crack with the help of a knife or trowel. The crack filter should be of the height of the surrounding pavement. The surface will dry in a day or so, but the surface beneath will take a few weeks to harden and dry up quickly. During the drying process, you may find that the filler sinks into the crack and there may be a need of a second coat

Avoid using the driveway or the parking lot when under repair. It takes at least six month for the repaired asphalt surface to get fully dried and cured.

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