much sealant will you use ? Make sure to bring everything you need to the site at the start so you can get the job done efficiently .
2 . Make sure all cracks are clean and dry . To ensure maximum adhesion and longevity , start with clean , dry cracks . Water is the enemy of pavement and crack sealant . If it ’ s rained recently — or precipitating now — schedule work for another day . If it ’ s dry enough , clean cracks thoroughly to remove rocks , weeds , and dirt that will affect the work . Cleaning can be done with a wire broom , compressed air , or a crack vac . You ’ ll also want to use a heat gun to make sure pavement is the right application temperature : 40 ° F minimum . If you notice excessive bubbling as you lay down sealant , that ’ s a sign of moisture and debris . Stop immediately and re-clean cracks before applying more material .
3 . Rout , as appropriate . Routing before crack sealing can improve the likelihood of proper sealant adherence by 40 % and double its service life ! Routing creates fresh , uniform edges that help the sealant adhere better and a reservoir to allow thermal movement . Still , not every project should be routed . If pavement has a crack density greater than 20 %, or shows fatigue cracking or other severe distress , it may not be strong enough to sustain it .
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4 . Use the correct sealant and maintain it properly . Sealant properties change by climate , ASTM type , viscosity , and more . As you select sealant , make sure it falls within approved spec , and that the sealant lot number is on hand in case there is any issue . First , look at heating type . Indirect-fired and direct-fired sealants are not interchangeable . You must select them by your melter type . Next , if you swap sealant between jobs , remember to empty the tank completely before adding a different sealant , as mixing two sealants can change chemistry drastically . Finally , make sure to heat to manufacturer instructions and agitate sealant properly . Overheated or overworked material can break down , reducing pot life and causing adhesion issues . Under-heated material will not flow down to the depth of the crack . Avoid throwing in many blocks at one time , as this can reduce the temperature of the heated material in your tank and delay work . Add new material in the same amount that you ’ re laying it down to keep proper flow and application temperature . Too many blocks can also jam agitation paddles in certain melters .
5 . Take care of your equipment . Having a good-quality melter will make your work better , easier , and safer . And maintained properly , it will last for years to come . Simple mistakes such as adding too much sealant , driving with a full tank of sealant , or driving with the burner on can wreak havoc on your machine . Use manufacturers ’ guidelines for care . This includes changing your hydraulic and heat transfer oils as recommended . Old heat transfer oil can
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April 2022