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 crackfilling. 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, a steel brush with 2 inch long bristles or a screw driver. 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 crackfiller. 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.
Cold Acrylic Crackfiller is one primary method of crackfilling for homeowners.
This is the most efficient crackfill for residential homeowners looking to fill small driveway 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 to 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.
Gator Patch is a great solution for alligator cracks, shallow holes or cracks wider than 1/2".
This crackfill and patching product is perfect to have for areas on your driveway that pool asphalt, or areas with a large number of tiny cracks. It comes in 5 gallon pails and is applied with a squeegee.
Instructions on Filling Cracks and Patching Holes:
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, you can either use the Cold Acrylic Crackfiller or the Gator Patch. If using the Cold Acrylic, 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. If using Gator Patch, tip out how much patch you want to use out of the pail, then use a squeegee to cover your cracks.
- 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.
2 - Asphalt Pothole Patching:
- Remove the loose debris from the hole and add asphalt cold patch.
- Compact the material as best as you can with a tamper, vibrating plate, even use the end of a heavy board. Add more material until the hole is slightly overfilled.
- Place a piece of scrap plywood over the patch and drive your car back and forth across it to further compact it.
- You can also use a 6x6 or 4x4 piece of wood and tamp the patch by hand. Using a vibrating plate is the easiest method.
* Side Note: You will find that the cold patch sometimes sticks to wood or tools that you are using to tamp the patch. If you take an old rag and put some oil on it, then wipe your tool on the side that will be in contact with the cold patch you will find that they will not stick together any longer.
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Cold Acrylic Crack filler is perfect for cracks that are half an inch or less. 100-150 linear feet per bottle.
Gator Patch is best for alligator cracks, wide cracks, and shallow holes.
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This vibrating plate is designed to compact hot asphalt patches or cold patch. It's ideal for finishing asphalt, cold patch, sand and sloping surfaces. |
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