FEATURE
For More Information On This Advertiser Please Visit www. CallAPE. com / e-inquiry
Clean It Up
Before sealing, remove any dirt, debris and vegetation from the cracks with a wire brush, compressed air or a vacuum, to ensure that the sealant will properly adhere to the pavement. Consider using a crack cleaning machine for larger projects. Once the project area is cleaned, ensure the cracks are dry before applying the sealant.
Get Your Stuff Together
The next step is to decide which material to use depending on the type of crack to repair. For smaller projects, such as light traffic or residential areas, cold-pour sealant is a common option; for larger or commercial applications, hot-pour sealant is ideal for cracks up to one-inch wide. Polymer-modified sealants are also an option for flexibility in varying temperatures.
Patch Things Up
Once the material is selected, it’ s time to apply the sealant, always referring to recommended manufacturer guidelines. For hot-pour sealants, use a pour pot or a specially designed applicator wand to apply into the cracks. Cold-pour sealants can be applied directly from the container or with a caulking gun. To ensure the material fills the crack completely, use a trowel or squeegee to smooth and level it. It’ s a good idea to slightly overfill the crack, allowing the material to settle into the crack to form a strong bond. Make sure it is just above the surface of the pavement to allow for compression.
Time to Cure
Cure times can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the size of the repair and the type of sealant being used. Typically, hot-pour sealants cure faster than cold-pour materials. It’ s ideal to avoid traffic on the newly sealed areas until the sealant has fully cured, and always make sure to work within the recommended temperature range for the particular material used.
Take a Look-See with the Customer
Once the surface has been inspected to ensure nothing was missed and the sealant has adhered properly, Hamilton says not to forget about one last but very important step – assuring customer satisfaction.“ After the work is complete, take the time to walk the customer through the completed work and explain if any maintenance or instructions are required for the sealed cracks,” she says.“ It is important to maintain accurate records and documentation of the project, including before and after photos, what materials were used and if there are any warranties or guarantees provided. This will give the customer satisfaction and confidence with the completion of the project.”
When considering its cost effectiveness and ease of application, as well as its minimally disruptive and structural integrity benefits, crack sealing is a great alternative to repaving in order to extend the lifespan of a paved surface.
[ 20 ] www. callape. com 1.800.210.5923