Crack Repairing

Asphalt Crack Repairing is one of the most important factors in keeping an asphalt surface protected and maintained.

There are many different situations that require Crack Repair or Filling. In many situations cracks can be caused by a poor foundation, by not having a thick enough layer of asphalt or having a layer of asphalt that is too thick.  Sometimes when the asphalt is originally installed the asphalt mix is not blended properly.

Earth movement, extremely heavy vehicles, roots from trees and the freeze-thaw cycle every year are also factors in creating asphalt cracks.

You may hear different types of cracks such as “longitudinal cracks, transverse and diagonal cracks, edge and reflective cracks, construction joint cracks, widening cracks, tree root cracks or lane joint cracks.” All of these cracks are also known as Asphalt Cracks. Whatever type of crack you have, you must repair it properly before sealcoating your asphalt area.  

It is extremely important to repair any cracks that arise and maintain an ongoing Asphalt Crack Repair maintenance program every year. If you do not repair the cracks, water will enter through it and into the foundation of the asphalt. The foundation will begin to erode resulting in potholes and depressions which will lead to extensive damage and costly repairs.

Asphalt Crack Repair is a fast and easy process.

We recommend using a Ryno crack brush -- it lets you chisel away loose asphalt and vegetation, as well as sweep away dirt and debris. Otherwise, you could use a steel brush with 2-inch long bristles or a screwdriver. Be sure to remove all dirt and vegetation from the cracks as stated in part one of the course. It is very important to clean the crack a ½ inch deep and fill it with great quality crack filler. We highly recommend that you pay close attention to Asphalt Crack Repair, because if you don’t, the asphalt is on a fast track to deterioration and decay.



There are three basic types of crack filling products that can be used for asphalt cracks:



1. Hot Rubberized Crack filler:

This is often used by large driveway owners, commercial parking lot owners and sealcoating contractors. You will often see city workers working with it on the streets and highways. 

The product is applied with a crackfilling machine/system (such as the RY10 Gallon Crackfiller Melter Applicator). It is effective asphalt crack filler because it lasts. It comes in blocks and is melted down in the burner tank of the RY10 Gallon Crack filler Melter Applicator. 

We highly recommend investing in crack filler applicator if you have a number of different properties that you are maintaining. It saves a lot of time and energy as you are not trying to fill many, large cracks by hand.

The RY10 Gallon Crackfiller Melter Applicator is designed to apply a hot pour rubberized crackfiller that expands in the crack when drying and setting. The machine keeps a constant heat source on the product, giving you the ability to fill cracks all day long. Without a heat source your product will cool quickly, become more difficult to use and result in poor crack workmanship.

For even more efficient melting, you can get the RY10 Pro. Its flat-bottom heating plate applies even heat to the kettle, melting the crackfiller faster and more efficiently. It even uses less fuel than a standard torch-fired burner, making this a clear moneymaker.


2. Cold Acrylic Crackfiller:

This is the most efficient crackfiller to fill small cracks.  Cold acrylic crackfilling works well on small jobs and small cracks. It is perfect for cracks that are half an inch or less. It comes in 1 Gallon Jugs or Buckets and is applied by hand.

* This type of crackfiller is NOT recommended for large cracks. Cold crackfiller has a tendency to sink into the wider cracks and sometimes pour right through the foundation, preventing it from ever being filled. Though the crackfiller is still sealing the crack, aesthetically it looks as though it has sunk deep into the crack.

3. Gator Patch

This product is an effective crack filler to fill in alligator cracks, as well as shallow holes and wide cracks. It's a great all-around patch for driveways and parking lots, and it's easy to apply too with a simple squeegee. Available in 5-gallon pails, it can be used right out of the pail.


Instructions on Filling Cracks and Patching Holes:


Hot asphalt patching repairs and hot pour crackfilling are services that are in demand throughout the year, wherever you are. Professional contractors know this is an excellent side business to keep income steady regardless of the season.

1. Filling the Cracks:

• For cracks that are ¼ inch to ½ wide we recommend that you use the Cold Acrylic Crackfiller.
• For cracks that range from a ½ inch to 1 inch wide we recommend that the cracks be cleaned out, then use course sand to fill in the crack half way.  Apply the Cold Acrylic Crackfiller to the remaining top portion of the crack.
• Air temperatures must be greater than 60°F to allow the repair material to cure.
• Either push or pull the tip of the crackfiller bottle along the crack, filling the crack right to the surface. Smooth the excess crackfill with a squeegee or soft broom. Keep the filler in the crack, not on the surface or on your hands.
• If you find you do a lot of work with the Cold Acrylic Crackfiller you may want to invest in a pour pot.
• The AK Pour Pot is designed to hold 2.5 gallons of crackfiller and allows you to fill cracks by hand.
• For cracks that are much deeper and larger we suggest RY10 Hot Pour Crack Fill Melter Applicator.