FEATURE
apply crack sealant , you will introduce the material directly into the crack and use a V / U squeegee , or a screed from a Melter / applicator to create a nice finished edge and force sealant into the crack .” Of course , cracks are a part of asphalt pavement ’ s life cycle . “ Bituminous concrete ( asphalt ) is made up of rock , sand , and asphalt , mixed heated and layed down with a paver in standard thicknesses of 11 / 2 ’ - 2 ’ mat ,” said Mark Mcleod , president & CEO of Maintenance Inc ., Wooster , Ohio . “ Asphalt is a flexible pavement surface that has to crack since it has no expansion joints like concrete surfaces . So , after a year or so the asphalt surface will shrink and the oils on the surface will start the oxidation process . The surface will gray out and initial settling cracks , joint cracks will start to open up . It is imperative to seal the open cracks as they appear to prevent moisture intrusion , water , into the open cracks softening the sub-base and creating soft spots around the crack , which if left untreated will rim crack and eventually become a pothole . When the surface is bleached and oxidation has occurred , and the cracks are sealed , a pavement sealer should be applied to seal in the remaining oils in the mat protecting it from the salts , sun , rain and vehicular drippings .” As an integral part of an asphalt pavement maintenance routine , crack sealing does definitely help .
“ Crack sealing helps to maintain the structural integrity of the asphalt by giving it a smoother and more uniformed surface ,” stated Mark Estrada , senior VP / co-founder of the Marathon Solutions Group , LLC , Houston , Texas . “ For best results , crack sealing should be done every one to two years or based on the condition of the pavement .” Both sealcoating and crack sealing have their own purposes and are necessary at different stages of the asphalt ’ s lifespan .
For More Information On This Advertiser Please Visit www . CallAPE . com / e-inquiry For More Information On This Advertiser Please Visit www . CallAPE . com / e-inquiry
[ 34 ] www . callape . com 1.800.210.5923