FEATURE
PAVEMENT PRESERVATION
How crack sealing can save time, money and future headaches
W e’ re officially into spring now, which means it’ s crack sealing season— a time to take a look at all the potential damage Mother Nature may have visited upon us during the winter. Road surfaces and other asphalt areas have likely taken a beating over the last several months of wet and cold weather, so there’ s no time like now to talk to existing clients about the status of their surfaces as well as explain to potential new clients how you can make repairs for them that are affordable, expedient and lasting.
“ Crack sealing is a fundamental part of pavement preservation,” says Daniel Martin, Marketing Manager for Reed International,“ offering one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the life of asphalt surfaces while reducing the need for more expensive rehabilitation down the line.” He says early crack detection and repair is critical in preserving— or even extending— the functionality of asphalt surfaces.“ Cracks in asphalt allow water to penetrate the pavement structure, leading to base failure and potholes,” Martin says.“ Sealing these cracks early prevents moisture intrusion, slows deterioration and significantly extends pavement life— often by three to five years or more.” Here are what Martin sees as the key benefits of crack sealing:
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to full-depth repairs or overlays, crack sealing is a fraction of the cost yet delivers substantial longterm savings by preventing more severe pavement failure.
• Durability: Properly sealed cracks withstand traffic loads, weather conditions and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Oil-jacketed kettles provide consistent, ideal material heating, ensuring high quality, long-lasting seals.
• Efficiency & Minimal Disruption: Crack sealing is a fast process, often requiring just a few hours of work, making it ideal for high traffic areas where minimizing road closures is critical.
By Lori Helms
• Reduced Equipment & Labor Requirements: Compared to large-scale resurfacing projects, crack sealing requires fewer workers and a smaller equipment footprint, making it a practical option for both contractors and public works agencies with limited resources. Crack sealing damaged pavement should be considered an essential part of pavement maintenance to prolong its life and maintain its structural integrity. Following is a brief overview of the critical steps in the crack sealing process and what contractor and customer alike should know:
Look Under the Hood
It all starts with assessing the condition of the pavement to identify cracks and the extent of damage. This will in large part help determine whether merely crack sealing is needed or if more extensive repairs are required. It will also enable you to identify the types of cracks to be dealt with – longitudinal, random, traverse or the very aptly described“ alligator” cracks. Repairs to each type of crack are often treated differently, as Jennifer Hamilton, Equipment Sales and Marketing Manager at Marathon Equipment, explains.“ Transverse cracks are perpendicular to the direction of the pavement and are typically caused by temperature fluctuations,” Hamilton says.“ Longitudinal cracks run parallel to the direction of the pavement and are often caused by improper joint construction or shrinkage of the asphalt layer. Hot-pour sealants are commonly used for transverse and longitudinal cracks, to create an adhesive bond against the intrusion of water and foreign materials.” However, she says alligator cracks are a different creature altogether.“ Alligator cracking resembles the pattern of an alligator’ s skin and are a sign of serious pavement distress,” says Hamilton.“ Mastic is an economical and versatile permanent repair solution for wide thermal cracks, fatigue cracking, rutting and depressed broken-up areas. It is also recommended for use around solid structures in flexible pavements like manholes, gutters and drains.”
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