Crackfilling is probably the single most important maintenance procedure that should be done to a sound pavement with no repairing needed. It is a good compliment to sealcoating your lot. Of the many distresses that are caused by a crack in asphalt water infiltration is the worst. Water infiltration will contribute to the accelerated deterioration of your lot by softening your subbase and causing the asphalt surface to flex and subsequently break. Once a crack occurs on a lot it will often start to widen due to the freeze thaw effects of water infiltration.

Why should crack filling be performed?

According to the Asphalt Institute, crack filling has two purposes: (1) To prevent the intrusion of water into the underlying layers of the pavement structure, thus further weakening the pavement. (2) To prevent incompressible materials from entering the crack, thus causing further deterioration as the pavement expands and contracts with temperature changes.

Which cracks should be treated?

Any crack will allow moisture penetration into the sub-base, so they should all be treated, with a few caveats: (1) Cracks narrower than 1/8 inch should not be filled because there is not sufficient area for the crack filler to penetrate and adhere to the inner sidewalls of the crack. (2) Extensive cracking or "alligatoring" should be patched, not crack filled.

How soon should cracks be filled after they appear?

The sooner the better. At the very longest, within one or two season after they appear.

How much does it cost?

The factors that contribute to the cost of crack filling are: (1) How dirty the cracks are, and consequently, how much time needs to be spent cleaning them. (2) The total lineal footage of the project (more feet, less cost per unit. (3) Crack depth.

How hot is crack filler when it is applied?

Approximately 400 degrees.

What brand of crack filler do you use?

Generally we use Crafco or an equivalent.

What sort of preparation work is necessary before cracks can be filled?

Cracks should be cleaned of all dirt, moss, foreign objects and water before filling with crack filler. We use a variety of methods to achieve this including wire brooms, rotating bristle brooms, pressure washers and blowers.

Contact Us For More Info on Our Crackfilling and Crack Repair Service Now!

Raleigh Paving / Pave South provides crackfilling and crack repair services. We serve the Triangle, Triad and Charlotte metro areas of North Carolina including Raleigh, Greensboro and Winston Salem.