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seal coating

If you own asphalt pavement, you’ve probably heard the term “sealcoating,” but maybe you’re not totally sure what it means or if it’s even important. How does sealcoat work, and how expensive is it?  

Simply put, sealcoat is a mixture of liquids and small particle solids (like grains of sand) that provide protective and restorative qualities for asphalt pavements. It’s usually made up of varying amounts of dissolved asphalt, mineral fillers, and water, and is applied as a spray or with a squeegee or broom.

Sealcoat is specifically engineered using oils and materials that are commonly used in asphalt paving. When it’s applied to the surface of asphalt pavement, oils in the sealcoat seep down and help replenish some of the depleted asphalt oils and binder that has dried up over time. At the same time, the tiny asphalt, sand, and mineral particles fill in small cracks and gaps between the pieces of aggregate, making the pavement surface more even and level.

With the oils replenished and the cracks and gaps filled in, the asphalt pavement frequently looks almost like new pavement. The sealcoat also provides a protective barrier between the asphalt pavement and harmful elements like UV rays from the sun, water, chemicals, and abrasion from traffic.

crack sealing

While the terms crack filling and crack sealing are often used interchangeably, there are differences between these methods of pavement crack repair. Understanding these differences will help you make the most cost-effective choice and long-lasting solution for crack treatment of your asphalt surfaces.

Crack filling

Crack filling is the placement of asphalt emulsion into non-working cracks to reduce water infiltration and to reinforce the adjacent pavement.

What are non-working cracks?

  • Non-working cracks are horizontal and/or vertical movements in the crack less than 0.1 inches.
  • Examples of non-working cracks include longitudinal, diagonal and alligator cracks.
  • In contrast to crack sealing, crack filling treats pavement that doesn’t show significant movement.

7 types of cracks

Before you choose which method is best for treating your pavement cracks, it is critical to understand the types of cracks that can occur:

1. Transverse cracks
  • The crack extends in a perpendicular fashion to the centerline or laydown direction of the pavement.
  • Cause: thermal shifts and are the first to appear.
2. Longitudinal cracks
  • Longitudinal cracks run parallel to the centerline or laydown direction of the pavement and appear later than transverse cracks.
  • Cause: Poor lane join construction, pavement shrinkage, hardening of the asphalt and shifts in temperature.
3. Edge cracks
  • Edge cracks develop between the edge of the pavement and concrete curbs.
  • Cause: Seasonal thaw cycles that result in widening and deepening of the crack.
4. Seam cracks
  • Seam cracks develop along joints of pavement.
  • Cause: Poor paving procedures
5. Block 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.
6. Reflective cracks
  • Cause: Changes in the movement of the sub-base, causing the surface material to crack.
  • Correcting sub-base courses can help eliminate reflective cracks.
7. Alligator cracking
  • Alligator cracking is a series of interconnecting cracks that are extensive, close together and resemble an alligator’s skin.
  • Cause: Deterioration in the asphalt from repeated traffic loading.

When deciding whether to fill or seal a crack, the best option is to speak to a professional. They will carefully evaluate the type of crack, expected movement of the pavement and whether it is a working or non-working crack. Transverse cracks are usually the first to appear in pavement surfaces, but other types of cracks can develop at the same time.

Cracks come in all shapes and sizes. Sealing them in a timely manner is one of the most effective ways to maintain the quality of your pavement.

One of the biggest mistakes is waiting too long to begin maintenance.

By crack sealing your pavement when cracks first appear, you keep the water and non-compressible materials out of the cracks These non-compressible objects will not compress as the crack contracts in warm weather. The pavement actually expands, making the crack width smaller, cracking and breaking the asphalt along the edge of the joint. By keeping water out, this will eliminate sub-base erosion, reduce freeze-thaw damage and improve ride quality of the pavement to extend its service life.

How much can you save?

We would love to give you a FREE QUOTE for your project! Seal coating is one of the most cost effective ways to keep your property looking great!

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