Serving on the board of an HOA can sometimes feel challenging. On the one hand, as a homeowner yourself, you understand the expectations of your neighbors. On the other hand, you recognize your duty to act as a wise steward of the association’s funds. There may be times when it is necessary to prioritize expenditures that some homeowners do not consider essential over expenditures that would provide an amenity that would certainly be nice to have. If you are creating a list of priorities for your HOA, one item that should be near the top should be asphalt crack repairs.
Why Should HOAs Prioritize Asphalt Repairs and Maintenance?
HOAs are obligated to manage their funds in a prudent manner. Although asphalt paving services are economical, reconstructing a pavement can still take a huge bite out of your budget. Therefore, it is prudent to ensure that your pavements last as long as possible. One of the most cost-effective ways to ensure a long life for your pavement is to have a reputable contractor mend cracks as soon as they develop. Cracks allow water to penetrate to the pavement’s supporting foundation and erode it. The erosion destabilizes the foundation, the pavement begins to subside, and alligator cracks, potholes, and birdbaths will soon appear in the pavement. It is more expensive to repair these types of damage than it is to repair cracks. If the damage is widespread, however, the pavement may need a complete reconstruction. When combined with a routine asphalt maintenance program that includes periodic sealcoating, timely crack repairs can often more than double the life of your pavement.
How Do Contractors Address These Issues?
There are two basic methods for repairing cracks in asphalt pavements. The first method is known as asphalt crack sealing. With this procedure, the contractor uses a rubberized material to seal the crack. The crack sealant and the pavement move together when subjected to seasonal temperature fluctuations, providing a very long-lasting repair. The second method is known as asphalt crackfilling. As you probably guessed, the contractor inserts an asphalt crackfiller into the crack. However, unlike crack sealant, fill material becomes rigid and inflexible as it cures, so it cannot move with the pavement. Normal pavement expansions and contractions can break the bond with the fill material, allowing the plug to be forced out or removed by traffic. Asphalt crackfilling is not considered to be a permanent repair method, but there are certain types of cracks that require this method. In general, if there is a choice, crack sealing is a better option than filling.
How Often Should HOAs Repair Cracks in Pavements?
Although only your contractor can recommend the best schedule for your specific pavement, most experts recommend having a reputable asphalt professional inspect your pavement at least every six months. If any significant cracks are found, they should be immediately repaired. You should also have cracks repaired before you have sealcoating applied or your parking lot striped.
For Exceptional Work at Affordable Prices, Contact MH Greeson
MH Greeson is an asphalt maintenance contractor servicing Marietta and North Georgia. Our exceptional paving services, including asphalt crack repairs, sealcoating, asphalt patching, traffic sign installation, parking lot striping, car stop installation, pavement marking, and bollard installation. We are known for delivering exemplary work at affordable prices. For a free quote, use the online form to send us your information. You can also call our office at 770-335-2983 if you prefer.
