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Understanding how to pick the right asphalt crack sealant means understanding how asphalt sealant interacts with your existing pavement.
If you are unsure what crack sealing products to buy, you’re in luck.
We are an asphalt sealcoating product supplier dedicated to helping customers find the right products for their asphalt paving projects.
Why Asphalt Cracks Need Repairs
Even with asphalt sealcoating, it’s not uncommon for asphalt to crack from harsh freeze-thaw cycles.
When this happens, it’s important to repair asphalt cracks as soon as possible to prevent water intrusion and damage to the foundation.
The earlier you repair asphalt cracks, the easier and less expensive the repair.
Types of Asphalt Crack Sealants and Fillers
There are three different types of asphalt crack sealants and fillers, which include cold applied, hot applied, and chemically cured.
The type of crack sealant you use determines how it will be installed.
We recommend staying away from the cold application asphalt mixtures as they are used for asphalt crack filling and lack the flexibility of hot mix asphalt.
Since asphalt pavements expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures, you’ll need crack sealant that behaves the same way.
Otherwise, the movement of the asphalt will allow water to seep between the sealant and sides of the crack.
Differences between Asphalt Crack Sealing and Filling
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to confuse asphalt crack fillers with sealants.
If you have working asphalt cracks (cracks that have moved more than 3 mm per year), you may be interested in crack sealing.
While crack sealing is more expensive than crack filling, it is designed to move with pavement as it expands and contracts.
That way, the sealant will adhere to the sides of the crack and prevent water intrusion.
Asphalt sealants are also able to last up to 8 years (or more!) while fillers only last 1 to 2 years.
rack filler material is unable to expand and contract and is better suited for pavements that don’t show much movement.
If you are unsure whether to pick asphalt crack sealant or filler, we recommend consulting with an asphalt sealant supplier near you.
What to Look for in Asphalt Crack Sealant
The Federal Highway Administration reported consumers should look for 10 factors when shopping for asphalt crack sealant.
We have listed them below for your convenience.
- Quick prep
- Easy to work with
- Cures quickly
- Adhesiveness
- Cohesiveness
- Resistance to softening and flow
- Flexibility
- Elasticity
- Resistance to aging and weathering
- Abrasion resistance
When in doubt, ask your asphalt sealant supplier about the best crack sealant or filler for your unique circumstances.
They will have enough knowledge about asphalt repair and maintenance to direct you to the best product.
B&E Seal Coat Products, Inc. is a Grand Rapids seal coat supplier dedicated to helping customers find the right products for asphalt crack repair jobs.
If you are interested in learning more about the asphalt crack sealants we offer, give us a call at (616) 608-6169.
