There’s nothing like a freshly paved road to make you feel at ease while driving. The smooth surface and crisp lines are a welcome change from the rough patches and potholes that seem to be constantly cropping up. But what helps you maintain that sense of security and keep your asphalt looking its best?
Crack filling! This important asphalt repair technique involves filling in small cracks in the pavement surface with a blacktop crack filler. By sealing up these cracks, you are not only protecting your asphalt from further damage, but you are also prolonging its lifespan.
Let’s understand why this is the case.
Asphalt is a flexible material, which means it is designed to withstand a certain amount of expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. However, this flexibility has its limits. The asphalt can become brittle and crack when exposed to extreme heat or cold.
In addition, asphalt pavements are also susceptible to damage from heavy traffic. The constant pounding of tires on the asphalt will eventually cause it to crack and crumble.
But why are these asphalt cracks so dangerous?
Asphalt is durable, but is it indestructible? No, it isn’t.
While asphalt cracks may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to your asphalt pavement.
One of the most dangerous things about cracks is that they allow water to seep into the asphalt.
Water is asphalt’s worst enemy. When water seeps into the cracks in your pavement, it can erode the foundation and destabilize the asphalt. It leads to further cracking, potholing, and eventually complete failure of the asphalt. In colder climates, water can also freeze inside the asphalt cracks, causing them to expand and worsen over time.
In addition, cracks can also cause problems with your asphalt foundation. If the cracks are left unrepaired, they will only worsen and eventually lead to more severe issues, such as asphalt settlement.
Sealing cracks in your asphalt is not only crucial for preserving the pavement, but it can also save you money in the long run. Filling cracks early on can prevent more severe and expensive asphalt damage.
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, there are also a few other important reasons to seal asphalt cracks. For example, asphalt crack sealing can:
Improve the Appearance of Your Pavement: Asphalt can become dull and fade over time. By sealing cracks, you can help to restore the asphalt to its original condition and improve the overall appearance.
Extend the Life of Your Asphalt: Asphalt crack sealing prevents water infiltration, erosion, and further deterioration of the asphalt. By sealing cracks, you can help extend your asphalt pavement’s life.
Prevent Future Pavement Problems: By sealing asphalt cracks, you can prevent future problems, such as potholes and alligator cracking. Asphalt crack sealing is an essential part of asphalt pavement maintenance.
Minimizes Oxidation: Consistent crack filling and sealing reduces oxidation by 75%, adding years to the asphalt’s lifespan.
Think your asphalt is too damaged to be saved? Think again!
Preventative asphalt maintenance like crack filling and sealing can prolong your asphalt pavement’s life and save you money in the long run.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – schedule crack filling services with Doctor Asphalt, serving Fitchburg, WI.