HOT RUBBER CRACK FILLING

When should pavement be crack filled?  

Crack filling should be done throughout the life of your pavement and at least once per year to keep your pavement in its best possible condition.

Hot Rubber Filler Vs. Cold Pour Filler - Which method lasts longer?  

Hot rubber is basically rubber with certain additives designed to adhere to asphalt. The rubber is melted down to a liquid form in a hot melt machine and applied over the crack. When the rubber cools and cures there is maximum adhesion to the asphalt. When the asphalt moves during freeze/thaw conditions, the rubber moves with the asphalt, creating a perfect seal. This method of crack filling typically lasts for years. Cold pour is usually acrylic - water based and is applied by hand. Cold pour is fine for smaller cracks in residential and DIY projects, but doesn't adhere as well as hot rubber and will usually need to be re-applied every few months. The hot rubber method is our application of choice and is used by most professionals.  

What time of year should a parking lot or other pavement be crack filled?

Crack filling season begins in April and ends in November. Crack filling can be completed in the winter months as long as it is dry. It is best to crack fill going into the winter months when the cracks in asphalt are as wide as possible. In the colder months cracks expand and in the summer months, cracks contract.

How often should pavement be crack filled?

Since this is part of routine maintenance, it can be done as often as needed but should ideally be done at least once per year.

Can all types of cracks be filled?

Most cracks can be filled, however, alligator cracks cannot be filled.

Why can’t alligator cracks be filled?

When alligator crack areas appear in a parking lot it means that water has penetrated the subgrade layer and that pavement can no longer support the weight of the traffic. It’s a sign of extreme pavement deterioration that requires complete pavement reconstruction to fix.

How long does it take the crack filling material to dry?

The crack filling material is applied at 300° F but cools to the touch in minutes.

How is crack filler applied and how does it work?

Crack filler is applied hot (about 300° F) and is applied with a specially designed machine. When crack filler cools off it expands. It’s designed to be flexible and moves with changes in temperature as pavement expands and contracts.

What is the best thing I can do to prevent cracks in my pavement?

Two things: commit to yearly pavement inspection and maintenance to fix minor cracks and problems before they turn into bigger problems.  Crack filling and sealcoating is the best way to prevent more cracks from forming in pavement.  Second, be diligent about inspecting your pavement so you find small cracks before they turn into bigger ones.

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HOT RUBBER CRACK FILLING