Reflective Cracks
This type of crack is common in resurfacing projects but can also occur in new pavement. It forms when a crack or joint in the underlying pavement structure propagates upward to the surface.
Cracksealing is a proactive asphalt maintenance solution that uses adhesive sealant to fill and seal pavement cracks. This cost-effective method helps preserve asphalt, slows down deterioration, and extends the lifespan of paved surfaces by 3 to 5 years.
If cracks are forming in your pavement, it’s a clear sign that cracksealing is needed. Acting quickly is crucial—delaying repairs can lead to further damage and higher costs. Addressing cracks early not only prevents more extensive issues but also maximizes cost savings.
Smart business owners and property managers know to keep an eye out for cracks or damage in their parking lots. If you notice any of the following types of cracks, it’s time to reach out for a cracksealing consultation.
This type of crack is common in resurfacing projects but can also occur in new pavement. It forms when a crack or joint in the underlying pavement structure propagates upward to the surface.
Asphalt pavement becomes more rigid over time, reducing its ability to handle vertical movements. This leads to tension within the pavement, often resulting in alligator cracking. Such cracks can also stem from structural weaknesses, aging, or oxidation. Typically, it’s best to remove and replace areas with alligator cracking rather than attempting to fill or seal them.
Pavement joints are formed during construction when the edges of two asphalt mats are placed side by side. These joints often have a lower asphalt density compared to the surrounding pavement. If the mats fail to bond properly, joint cracks can develop.
This type of cracking forms a distinctive square pattern, with cracks meeting at nearly right angles. In parking lots, it often occurs due to a lack of traffic, as steady traffic helps keep the pavement flexible by kneading it. Other contributing factors include excessive air voids, low-penetration asphalt, or overly high temperatures during the mixing process.
Edge cracks differ from other types, as they appear parallel to the pavement edge and within 18 inches of it. Common causes include a weak base, inadequate shoulder support, poor drainage, or frost action.
Slippage cracks are typically crescent-shaped and occur due to heavy traffic that involves stopping, turning, or climbing hills. These actions create stresses that cause a bond failure between the upper and lower layers of pavement. The open end of the U-shaped crack always points in the direction of the applied force. These cracks often result from contaminants between the different layers of asphalt.
Addressing cracks early and handling issues promptly is a cost-effective strategy, as it helps delay the need for more expensive repairs like resurfacing or reconstruction. It’s wise to set aside funds for crack sealing every 2 to 3 years.
Cracks that are 1/4-inch to 1-inch wide should be addressed using crack sealing or routing techniques. The sealing method begins with cleaning the cracks using an air compressor. Then, hot-pour material is applied into the crack using a hand-operated wand, and shaped into a band-aid style (3 to 5 inches wide and 0.125-inch thick).
The choice of configuration depends on factors like crack type, traffic volume, and budget. Routing, or crack widening, is recommended in high-traffic areas, particularly those with trucks, but not for cracks that have already been sealed.
Routing involves creating a proper reservoir within the crack for better adhesion. This is done with a routing machine, which creates a channel about 1/2-inch deep by 1/2-inch wide. Once the channel is cleaned of dust and debris, the material is injected into the reservoir using a special wand tip to flush fill the crack.
Hot-applied materials must be prepared using specific equipment, typically a double-boiler kettle. This setup includes an inner chamber for holding and agitating the sealant, while the outer tank contains heat transfer oil to ensure even heating.
Common heated materials include rubberized asphalt (modified with melted rubber), low-modulus rubberized asphalt, fiberized asphalt (modified with fibers), and asphalt rubber (a blend of paving-grade asphalt and 15-30% granulated recycled crumb rubber). These materials are heated to temperatures between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit before application.
While cracksealing is somewhat more expensive than crack filling, it offers significant value by extending the lifespan of the pavement, typically lasting eight years or longer.
Cracksealing should be done every 2 to 3 years to effectively maintain your pavement. Regular inspections and timely cracksealing help prevent further damage, extend the life of your pavement, and save on costly repairs down the road.
At Pavemaks, we typically recommend scheduling this preventative maintenance procedure during the Spring and Summer months.
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