Thursday, February 19, 2015

Asphalt Cracks

Asphalt cracks are unsightly and can get expensive, quickly. You need to take action and fill them as soon as they occur. Sealing asphalt cracks in your parking lot or driveway is the most economical way to prevent future asphalt deterioration and expense.

There are many different situations that can cause your asphalt to crack. To name a few:

* Poor foundation
* Earth movement
* Heavy vehicles
* Roots from trees
* The annual freeze - thaw cycle

These cracks in your driveway or parking lot can compromise the integrity of your asphalt in two ways.

First, the crack can allow moisture to erode the foundation of your driveway or parking lot. This damage can result in sink holes, pot holes, and alligator cracking leading to costly patching and repaving. Second, cracks trap moisture between two sides of the asphalt which when the water freezes and expands will enlarge and expand the existing cracks. The crack growth is why it is important to promptly repair the cracks, so the problem does not become a repaving crisis.

Crack filling is effective when the crack sealant keeps water from entering into the crack. Once water has entered the foundation, the foundation will begin to erode resulting in a much larger project as well as expense.

Make sure the crack sealant is flexible enough not to crack with shifts in the pavement, but also strong enough not to melt in the heat. Large asphalt cracks 3/8" and greater are more prone to movement with temperature changes and will need to be filled with a sealant that has a very high elasticity. Small cracks of 1/4" or less can be effectively sealed using a pourable sealant.

To prolong the life of your driveway or parking lot you need to promptly fill the cracks and holes and try to keep oil spills cleaned up. Summer is the best time to apply sealer, but winter is the best time to fill cracks. And, as always protect your investment with routine asphalt maintenance.

Peyton Stallings is a lifetime Atlanta resident and general contractor. Peyton is President and onsite manager for PKS Paving And Construction and writes regular columns on, paving, Asphalt Paving Atlanta and construction in general. To learn more please visit our site at http://www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com
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