Filling Asphalt Cracks using rubberized Asphalt Crack Filler
Filling Asphalt Cracks:
Filling Asphalt Cracks in your asphalt driveway or pavement surface will be a very important part of extending the life of your asphalt surface.
One of the most common and easy to use products available is Rubberized Asphalt Crack Filler , this product comes in a ready to use cold formula, as well as a Hot melted Formula.
We discuss the different kinds of Filling Asphalt Cracks with application methods and equipment at "Choosing the right Asphalt Crack Filling Equipment"
The most important reason you need to maintain the cracks is because you don't want vegetation to begin growing in them and you don't want moisture to penetrate under the asphalt surface.
As the roots on vegetation get bigger, the plant root can actually push the pavement up and create even more damage. This breaks the pavement surface and other problems begin occurring.
Even worse, if water penetrates the crack and seeps under the asphalt surface, this almost always creates a soft spot which almost always creates a Pot Hole. and if you live where the temperatures create ground freezing, then this moisture under the asphalt surface will freeze and push the pavement up .
All of these conditions can usually be avoided by practicing good maintenance and keeping these cracks filled as they occur.
Filling Asphalt Cracks is not a difficult job, and certainly no harder than performing yard or garden work.
There are different kinds of cracks that you need to identify, some you can fill yourself and others may require a professional.
A simple crack is easily repairable, these cracks occur naturally as the ground moves and as the asphalt ages. These are usually straight or zig zagging across the surface and now is the time to use asphalt crack filler to repair them.
Please use these instructions for filling large cracks or Pot Holes
On the other hand, if you have areas in your pavement that looks like Alligator Skin , this is is characterized by any smaller cracks that look like chicken wire, you likely will need professional help, or be willing to do some extra work at least.
Now that you understand the different kinds of cracks it's time to get to work and begin filling asphalt cracks in your pavement.
If your considering Sealcoating your asphalt as well, filling asphalt cracks first is always a better option. Sealcoating is not designed to be an asphalt crack filler, it is made for sealing the surface and protecting it from the elements such as UV light, salts and oils. It is not flexible enough to fill a crack without re-cracking and it does not have adhesion quality's that Asphalt Crack Filler has.
You can read about Sealcoating Asphalt in our on-line guide.
Please keep in mind that these crack filling instructions are a very simplified version of how a professional would repair them. They use specialized equipment to clean and prepare the crack and then apply crack filler using specially designed asphalt crack filler application equipment.
Clean the crack by using something that is sturdy like a large screwdriver or pick, which allows you to dig down and completely remove all of the debris. This is probably the most important part of the process! If you don't get them clean, then the asphalt crack filler wont stay in place and you have wasted your time and money.
If you will be maintaining your own asphalt on a regular basis, you may want consider making a small investment in proper Asphalt repair tools to help you clean the crack and refill the crack.
After cleaning and digging the debris from the crack, you need to remove all of the loose debris and this is best accomplished with an air compressor. I'm not saying you have to have an air compressor, it just make the task quicker and easier.
If you do not have access to a compressor then use what you have to sweep and blow the crack out as good as possible.
Even though we probably have information on this web site discussing the use of a pressure washer for cleaning asphalt cracks, and I will admit to advising using one, I wont advise it unless absolutely necessary, this is because it can "push" water deep under the surface and that water can potentially soften the area under the pavement creating a future pot hole or alligator area.
Once you have properly prepared the crack for new asphalt crack filler, the next step is filling asphalt cracks using rubberized crack filler.
This is the easier part of the job but the application process is just as important.
If your a homeowner or don't have access to a melting kettle, you will need to fill the asphalt crack using a cold pour filler. This product can be purchased locally at a hardware store but you should remember that you will get what you pay for.
I will recommend spending more money here to get a much better product and longer lasting application.
You will need a small "U" or "V" Shaped Squeegee and however much crack filler you determine.
Please refer to our Crack Material Calculator to determine how much crack filler to purchase.
Pour the asphalt crack filler into the crack and immediately smooth the crack using the squeegee. A second application may be necessary if the crack filler settles into the crack and you may need to pre-fill the crack with sand to 1/2" below the pavement surface prior to applying the crack filler.
If your considering using Hot Melted Crack Filler , please refer to our ASD10 Asphalt Crack Melter instructions but remember that proper preparation is the key here.
Filling Asphalt Cracks is not a fun task, but it sure will save you money down the road and keep you asphalt surface looking good for many years to come.
