Just about anywhere you look in the Atlanta area, you can find asphalt pavements. In fact, asphalt is the most common paving material in the nation. There are several reasons for its popularity, including its economical price, visual appeal, and speed of installation. Furthermore, asphalt pavements can last more than 20 years if they receive the proper care. One of the most important parts of caring for an asphalt pavement is to repair cracks in a timely manner. However, there are five things you should know about asphalt crackfilling in Atlanta.
1. Did You Know That Asphalt Crack Sealing Is Sometimes Better Than Asphalt Crackfilling for Atlanta Pavements?
Crack filling and crack sealing are the two primary methods of asphalt crack repair, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Asphalt crack sealing is initially more expensive, but it is normally a one-time repair. Over the life of your pavement, you may need to have your contractor repeat a crackfilling repair several times. Therefore, you may find it more cost-effective to choose sealing over filling.
2. Did You Know That the Main Difference Between Asphalt Crack Sealing and Asphalt Crackfilling in Atlanta Is the Material?
Although some people use the terms interchangeably, most contractors base their choice of terms on the crack repair material. Filling a crack involves inserting into the void a material that will become hard and rigid after it cures. Sealing uses a hot rubber crack repair material that remains flexible after curing and goes over the top of the crack. The rubbery crack sealant can contract and expand without cracking or coming unstuck. Filler materials can break free from the surrounding pavement, or they can develop their own cracks.
3. Did You Know That Routine Asphalt Maintenance Can Help Mitigate Your Crack Repair Expenses?
The best way to control your expenses for repairing cracks in your asphalt pavement is to prevent as many cracks as you can. Routine asphalt maintenance programs that include periodic applications of sealcoating and the removal of vehicle fluids can help. Your pavement should develop fewer cracks, and the cracks that develop should be smaller and cheaper to repair.
4. Did You Know That Ignoring Crack Repairs May Cut Your Pavement’s Life in Half?
Breaks in the surface of your asphalt pavement give water an easy path to follow to reach the supporting foundation. Once the water penetrates to the foundation layers, it can pluck out material. The foundation becomes weaker and less stable. Air pockets develop that allow the pavement above them to subside, which can result in birdbaths, potholes, and alligator cracking. The damage keeps accumulating, and it can quickly become too severe for parking lot maintenance or repair methods to salvage the pavement.
5. Did You Know That Neither Asphalt Crack Repair Method Can Effectively Repair Alligator Cracking?
Alligator cracking refers to a network of interconnected cracks that form a pattern similar to a reptile’s scales. Alligator cracking virtually always indicates a destabilized foundation, so the only effective repair method is a full-depth patch.
Did You Know That MH Greeson Specializes in Preventive and Routine Asphalt Maintenance?
MH Greeson is a well-respected asphalt maintenance company with impeccable references and an exemplary reputation. We offer a range of services, including asphalt crack repairs, parking lot maintenance programs, asphalt paving, traffic signage, sealcoating, car stops, ADA compliance, pavement markings, bollards, and parking lot striping. We provide free job quotes, so submit your request by either filling out our form online or calling 770-335-2983.
