What is Crack Sealing?

Crack sealing is a preventive maintenance method used to repair cracks in asphalt or concrete surfaces, such as roads, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks. This process involves filling or sealing cracks to prevent water, debris, and other harmful substances from penetrating the surface and causing further damage.

Here’s an overview of the crack sealing process:

1. Cleaning: The cracks are cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, vegetation, or debris using tools like wire brushes, compressed air, or high-pressure blowers. This step ensures better adhesion of the sealant to the crack walls.
2. Routing (if needed): In some cases, larger cracks or those with accumulated debris might require routing, where specialized equipment is used to widen and clean the crack further to create a better bonding surface for the sealant.
3. Sealant Application: A specialized sealant, usually a hot-pour rubberized compound or a cold-pour asphalt emulsion, is applied into the cracks using various methods like pour pots, wand applicators, or pump systems. The sealant fills the cracks, preventing moisture infiltration and minimizing the expansion of the cracks due to temperature changes.
4. Leveling and Smoothing: Excess sealant is leveled and smoothed to ensure the surface remains even, and the sealant is flush with the pavement.

Crack sealing is crucial in pavement maintenance as it helps prevent further deterioration of the surface by keeping water and other damaging elements out of the cracks. By addressing cracks early, before they expand and cause more significant damage, crack sealing helps extend the lifespan of asphalt or concrete surfaces.

Regular inspections and timely crack sealing are recommended as part of a comprehensive pavement maintenance program to ensure the longevity and structural integrity of roads, driveways, and other paved surfaces.