Asphalt is the perfect paving material for virtually any project in Birmingham. Asphalt pavements can be installed rapidly and economically, and they have a rich, dark color that many people find aesthetically pleasing. However, from the moment your contractor finishes construction of your pavement, it is subjected to traffic, sunlight, rain, and fluctuating temperatures. Thus, it is inevitable that your pavement will develop at least a few cracks as it ages. When that happens, you do not want to delay calling a reputable cracksealing contractor.

Why Is Cracksealing Vital for Asphalt Pavements?

Open cracks let water enter and percolate through the entire structure of your pavement. Once the water reaches the pavement’s foundation, it will start eroding it, plucking out the aggregates or compacted soil that support the weight of your pavement and the vehicles that use it. The foundation loses strength and stability. Air becomes trapped beneath the pavement, which begins to subside. Patches of alligatored asphalt and potholes develop quickly. Instead of an economical crack seal procedure, you will need a more expensive procedure to repair both the foundation and the pavement. Asphalt crack sealing is the best way to prevent water intrusions that can inflict significant damage that can place your entire pavement at risk.

How Do You Perform Cracksealing on an Asphalt Pavement?

Although some asphalt crack seal Birmingham contractors vary the steps slightly, we use a proven process for long-lasting results.

1. The first step is to clean the cracks. To provide customers with a Birmingham crack seal job that will perform as intended, it is imperative to remove all vegetation, dirt, and other debris. Debris in or immediately adjacent to the crack can interfere with the bond between the crack seal material and the pavement. Depending on the crack, we will use a grazing wheel, pressurized air, or both for cleaning.
2. Once the crack is properly prepared, we use a high-quality, hot-applied, rubberized sealant to seal the crack. We only use the best sealants that exceed the standards specified for use on federal highways.

Is Asphalt Crack Filling the Same as Asphalt Crack Sealing?

Both terms refer to an asphalt crack repair, and some people, including some Birmingham crack seal contractors, use the terms interchangeably. However, technically, there are some slight differences between them.

1. Asphalt crack sealing materials are rubberized, which means that they remain flexible and move with the pavement when it expands or contracts. This allows the crack seal to retain its bond with the pavement. Crack filling materials are not flexible; they become hard and rigid once they cure. Thus, they cannot move with the pavement. This makes them more likely to lose their bond or even develop their own cracks.
2. Typically, when performing an asphalt crack seal in Birmingham, contractors place the sealant over the crack, extending it just a little bit onto the adjacent pavement. When filling a crack, contractors normally place the material only inside the crack. However, contractors sometimes place a little crack seal inside the crack before sealing the top, and they may extend the crack filler onto the adjacent pavement.

Can You Use Either Asphalt Crack Repair Method on All Types of Cracks?

Cracksealing can be used on virtually any type of crack, and it is the only method that will provide a long-lasting repair if the crack is still active. If you fill an active crack instead of seal it, the filler will break its bond in a very short time, often as soon as the season changes. A broken bond means that water can drain into the opening the same way it did before the crack was repaired.

Which Asphalt Crack Repair Method Is Best for Alligator Cracking?

Neither asphalt crack sealing nor crack filling is suitable for repairing alligatored asphalt. Alligator cracking is a sign that the foundation is insufficient. The insufficiency could be the result of a construction error or an eroded, damaged foundation. It can also indicate that the foundation and the pavement were subjected to excessive loading. Regardless of the cause, the alligatored asphalt will need to be removed so that the foundation can be strengthened or repaired. In other words, you will need a full-depth patch instead of an asphalt crack repair. In an emergency, it might be possible to apply a sealant over the area to prevent additional water from entering. However, this is a very temporary fix until a permanent repair can be made, so it is not a method we normally recommend.

The Surface Masters Will Help You Find the Most Cost-Effective Solution

We are a respected, experienced company with a strong commitment to exceeding every client’s expectations, helping them achieve their goals, and providing them with the most cost-effective solutions. In addition to asphalt crack sealing, we offer asphalt sealcoating, pavement markings, concrete work, asphalt paving, asphalt milling, asphalt repairs, and asphalt reclamation. We have an exceptional reputation that is based on our remarkable craftsmanship and professional customer service. Call 470-557-8985 to request a free quote, or fill out our online form.