Crack sealing and filling - choosing the right method

Crack sealing and filling - choosing the right method

While the phrases crack filling and crack sealing are sometimes used interchangeably, the two procedures of pavement crack restoration are not interchangeable.

Understanding these distinctions can assist you in selecting the best cost-effective and long-lasting crack treatment option for your asphalt surfaces.

Repairing cracks Crack sealing is a method of preventing water entry by applying a hot sealant to working cracks.

What do you mean by "working cracks"?

Horizontal and/or vertical movements in cracks more than 0.1 inch are referred to as working cracks. A transverse crack is an example of a working crack.

Crack sealants: An Overview Crack sealants are rubberized and can seal cracks while being flexible enough to move with the surface. Active cracks that continue to grow in size and severity over time benefit from this treatment.

Filling up cracks Crack filling is the process of injecting asphalt emulsion into non-working cracks to prevent water infiltration and strengthen the surrounding surface.

What exactly are non-functioning cracks?

Horizontal and/or vertical crack motions of less than 0.1 inches are considered non-working cracks.

Longitudinal, diagonal, and alligator cracks are examples of non-working cracks.

Crack filling, as opposed to crack sealing, is used on pavement that hasn't moved much.

Different types of cracks.

It's vital to understand the many sorts of cracks that might appear before deciding which option is ideal for treating your pavement cracks:

1. Cracks that run in both directions The fracture runs perpendicular to the pavement's centerline or laydown direction. Thermal shifts are the cause, and they are the first to show up.

Longitudinal cracks are the second type of crack.

Longitudinal cracks occur later than transverse cracks because they run along to the pavement's centerline or laydown direction.

Poor lane join construction, pavement shrinkage, asphalt hardening, and temperature fluctuations are all causes.

Cracks at the edges Between the pavement's edge and the concrete curbs, edge cracks form.

The crack widens and deepens as a result of seasonal thawing cycles.

Cracks in the seams Along the joints of the pavement, seam cracks form.

Poor paving practices are at blame.

Fill up cracks Block cracks develop in square pieces and are spaced between 4 to 12 feet. They often appear at the end of the pavement life.

Cause: improper construction of base courses or lack of drainage.

Choosing the best crack repair method When determining whether to fill or seal a crack, consulting a professional is the best option. They'll assess the crack's severity, predicted pavement movement, and whether it's a working or nonworking crack. The earliest cracks to form on pavement surfaces are usually transverse fractures, however other types of cracks might appear at the same time.

Crack filling: For non-working cracks with mild to no edge deterioration, this is often the best option.

Crack sealing is frequently the best solution for cracks that have just little edge degradation. https://canadianasphalt.ca/services/pavement-crack-sealin g/