Cracks can provide a path for water to enter asphalt pavement. Treating suitable cracks helps limit that entry, but it does not rebuild damaged pavement or correct poor drainage. Start with the condition of the crack and the surrounding surface.
Crack filling and crack sealing serve different conditions
Crack sealing generally uses a flexible sealant for cracks that move with temperature changes. Crack filling generally addresses cracks with less movement. The terminology varies, so ask the contractor to identify the proposed material, preparation, and application method rather than relying on the service name alone.
What to inspect before treatment
- Crack width, movement, depth, and the condition of its edges.
- Nearby depressions, potholes, or interconnected cracking.
- Standing water, eroded edges, and signs of weak pavement support.
- Previous treatments and whether the same area keeps failing.
Width alone does not determine whether a crack can be treated. Extensive alligator cracking or movement under traffic may indicate a structural problem that calls for repair rather than more sealant.
Preparation and application matter
The crack must be prepared according to the selected product’s requirements. Cleaning, drying, and sometimes routing create conditions for an appropriate bond. Routing is not required for every material or crack. The application profile should follow the specifications; excess material can create an uneven surface or tracking problems.
Hot-applied and cold-applied products have different handling and reopening requirements. Keep people and vehicles away until the contractor confirms that the treated area is ready for use.
Build inspection into the maintenance plan
Check treated areas during routine pavement inspections and after significant weather or reports of new damage. Record reopened cracks and recurring failures so their cause can be investigated. A condition-based plan is more useful than promising that every application will last a fixed number of years.
ProLine can discuss crack sealing and help identify areas that need a different repair approach. Include drainage concerns and repeated failures when describing the project.
