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Northfield, Minnesota
Crack Sealing
What is Crack Sealing?
Crack sealing is the process of repairing cracks in asphalt pavement to prevent further damage and extend the life of the surface. Whether on residential driveways or commercial parking lots, cracks can form over time due to weather fluctuations, traffic loads, and natural aging. If not addressed early, these cracks allow water, debris, and chemicals to seep in, weakening the pavement’s base and potentially leading to more serious issues like potholes or structural failure.
The crack sealing process involves thoroughly cleaning the affected areas and filling the cracks with a hot rubberized sealer designed to bond with the asphalt and remain flexible. This creates a waterproof barrier that helps prevent moisture infiltration and future cracking. It’s a crucial step in maintaining both residential and commercial asphalt surfaces, often performed before sealcoating to ensure a smooth, long-lasting result.
What are the benefits to crack sealing?
Crack sealing provides a range of benefits for both residential and commercial asphalt surfaces. One of the most significant advantages is moisture protection. By sealing cracks early, property owners can prevent water from seeping beneath the surface, which helps preserve the structural integrity of the pavement and avoid costly repairs down the line.
For commercial properties, crack sealing helps maintain a professional appearance and safe conditions for customers and employees. For residential driveways, it keeps surfaces smooth and extends the life of the pavement. This process also helps slow the progression of existing cracks and prevents new ones from forming. As part of a regular maintenance plan, crack sealing is a cost-effective way to protect asphalt surfaces and improve their durability and performance over time.
What are the limitations of crack sealing?
While crack sealing is a valuable maintenance solution for both residential and commercial asphalt surfaces, it does have its limitations. It is most effective on minor to moderate surface-level cracks and is not intended to repair deep or severely damaged areas. Large cracks, alligator cracking, or structural issues may require more extensive repairs or resurfacing to fully address the problem.
Additionally, crack sealing is not a one-time fix. Over time, the hot rubber crack sealer can degrade due to heavy traffic, weather, and natural wear, requiring reapplication as part of ongoing maintenance. Aesthetically, sealed cracks may remain visible, particularly on older or weathered pavement, which may not result in a completely uniform surface. Still, when used appropriately and combined with other services like sealcoating, crack sealing plays a vital role in preserving asphalt for both homes and businesses.