Crack Identification
When it comes to maintaining your asphalt pavement, it is essential to identify cracks and repair them immediately before they turn into potholes. The first step in repairing large asphalt cracks is identifying them. The most common types of cracks in asphalt are alligator cracks, block cracks, edge cracks, and transitional cracks. Alligator cracks resemble the skin of an alligator and are often found on roads and highways. On the other hand, block cracks are rectangular and typically found in a specific area of the pavement. Edge cracks are linear cracks along the edges of the pavement. Finally, transitional cracks are between 1 to 3 feet long and form where there is a change in the pavement’s direction.
Crack Preparation
Before repairing the cracks in your asphalt pavement, it’s crucial to prepare the area. To begin, the cracks must be cleared of debris and vegetation. The debris and vegetation should be removed by either blowing it away or lifting it out with a chisel. Afterward, clean the cracks with pressurized water, which will remove all dirt and debris and ensure proper adhesion of the filler material.
Choosing the Right Filler Material
Choosing the right filler material for your asphalt cracks is essential as it will determine the longevity of the repair work. There are various types of fillers available in the market, including asphalt emulsion, rubberized asphalt, and cold pour. However, for large asphalt cracks, a hot pour crack sealer is the most effective option. A hot pour crack sealer is a rubberized mixture that’s heated to a liquid state and then applied into the cracks using a specialized machine.
Application of Filler Material
Once the cracks have been cleared of debris and cleaned, and the filler material has been chosen, it’s time to apply the filler. The application process is relatively straightforward. First, the hot crack sealer should be poured into the crack from the bottom to the top and level to the pavement surface. After the sealer is poured, a rubber squeegee should be used to spread the filler evenly over the pavement. The amount of sealer used should be the same height as the surrounding pavement. Once completed, the sealer should be allowed to cool and dry before traffic is allowed on the area.
Maintenance and Prevention
Preventing large cracks from forming in your asphalt pavement is easier than repairing them. Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your pavement in excellent condition. Sealcoating and crack sealing should be done every two to three years to prevent cracks from forming and to prevent water from seeping into your asphalt pavement, which causes cracking and eventually potholes.
Conclusion
If you have large cracks in your asphalt pavement, it’s essential to act fast before the problem worsens. Identify the type of crack, prepare the area, choose the right filler, and apply it correctly. Regular maintenance and prevention will keep your pavement looking brand new for years to come. Uncover new perspectives on the subject with this specially selected external resource to add value to your reading. asphalt crack filler https://pavemade.com/collections/asphalt-crack-filler.
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