Cold Pour Crack Filling Can Save Your Parking Lot
Asphalt is a widely used material for roads, driveways, and parking lots. It is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions. However, over time, asphalt can develop cracks that can lead to more significant damage if left unaddressed. Filling asphalt cracks is an essential maintenance task that should not be overlooked. In this article, we will discuss how to fill cracks when you find them, and also what are the different types of ashalt cracks.
First and foremost, filling asphalt cracks is essential because it helps prevent further damage to the pavement. When left unaddressed, cracks in the asphalt can grow larger and deeper. Water can seep into the cracks and freeze, expanding and widening the cracks further. This process can cause potholes to form, which are not only unsightly but also a safety hazard for drivers and pedestrians. By filling cracks as soon as they appear, property owners and municipalities can prevent the formation of potholes and other significant damage to the pavement.
Another reason why filling asphalt cracks is crucial is that it helps maintain the integrity of the pavement. Asphalt is a mix of aggregates, binder, and filler, and cracks in the surface can weaken the structure. If left unchecked, cracks can cause the asphalt to break apart, leading to costly repairs and even the need for replacement. By filling cracks as soon as they appear, property owners and municipalities can extend the life of the asphalt surface, saving time and money in the long run.
Filling asphalt cracks is also essential for aesthetics. Cracks in the pavement can be unsightly, detracting from the overall appearance of a property. Filling cracks can improve the look of the pavement, making it more attractive to visitors and potential customers. Additionally, filling cracks can help prevent debris and dirt from collecting in the cracks, which can make the pavement appear dirty and neglected.
Finally, filling asphalt cracks is a crucial safety measure. When cracks in the pavement are left unchecked, they can become tripping hazards for pedestrians. This can lead to liability issues for property owners and municipalities, as well as potential injury to individuals. By filling cracks as soon as they appear, property owners and municipalities can ensure that their pavement is safe for all who use it.
In conclusion, filling asphalt cracks is an essential maintenance task that should not be overlooked. It helps prevent further damage to the pavement, maintains the integrity of the surface, improves the aesthetics of the property, and ensures the safety of pedestrians and drivers. If you notice cracks in the asphalt on your property or in your community, it is essential to address them as soon as possible to prevent more significant damage and costly repairs down the road.
Types of Cracks & How to Repair Them
Just like in building construction, types of cracks in your parking lot can differentiate what options are best suited to repair them. Luckily, there is a guide that most professional engineers and contractors usually refer to in the industry to quickly evaluate pavement condition, and types of parking lot cracks they are dealing with. The PASER Asphalt Roads Manual details the proper method to evaluate pavement surfaces, and quantifies them into ratings, helping us better understand the condition of the specified area. In this application, we are going to use it to help identify types of cracks in your parking lot.
Transvers Cracks
Transverse cracks are those that start and finish perpendicular to the road lines. Contrary to their name, the cause of these cracks stem from prolonged axial loads from above stresses, in cooperation with creep deformation leading to shrinkage over a period. If left untreated, cracks in your parking lot will increase in length from one side of the shoulder to the other, or with water intrusion, create erosion for crack combinations along the initial. Quantity of cracks will also increase, usually spaced by approximately 15 meters or more. During the primary phase of cracking, simple maintenance from hot pour or cold pour crack filler can help reduce the chances of future intrusion, and most importantly protect from further water damage. In terms of large left alone cracks, we suggest that you completely re-construct the affected area, then pave and seal correctly afterwards.
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Slippage Cracks
Slippage cracks are those that form due to the friction forces created from vehicle tires dragging the worn asphalt in various directions, thus these cracks aren’t usually straight as they form lunula based cracks. In this case, using crack filler could work, but the chances of holding rigidity along the affected area is lower than most. It is recommended that you remove as much within the rounded edge as possible, and use pothole filler as a substitute.
Block Cracks
Block cracks look like how they are names. Quadrilateral shaped combinations of cracks are caused not from loading, but mainly from prolonged shrinkage due to creep strain, hardening overtime, as well as water seepage. Block cracks exponentially hurt the physical appearance of your parking lot asphalt due to the mass amounts of organized cracks in a wide sprawled area. The importance of early notice is crucial in maintaining the asphalt in your parking lot. Thus, to prevent the possibility of block cracks, regular scheduled seal-coating is of utmost importance as protection from the elements is key to preventing these.
Aligator Cracks
In the industry we call this gatoring. It consists of connected web-like cracking usually with some added depression, resembling alligator osteoderm. The main cause of this extreme form of cracking in your parking lot asphalt is overtime material strain from heavy surface loads, added with an insufficient base support system, and deficient plumbing. If left untreated, aggregates along the area will soften and eventually be removed by constant use, leading to deadly potholes within the lot. A scheduled patch and observation period of 1-2 years per application of gator patch or similar products may remedy this. It is also recommended that you remove the affected area, and re-construct the asphalt, then sealing it cleanly to prevent future cracking.
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