In today’s world, there are not many things that you be absolutely certain will happen. However, you can be sure that all asphalt pavements will develop cracks at some point in their life. Heavy loads, freeze/thaw cycles, UV rays, oil spills and a host of other factors can cause cracking.
The Benefits of Crack-Sealing
Just because you cannot avoid all cracking does not mean that you should ignore cracks. Water can enter through cracks as small as one-eighth inch, and once it does, it can cause further damage to the pavement as well as the foundation. It is therefore important to have cracks repaired quickly.
One of the most cost-effective ways to handle smaller cracks is with crack sealing. Crack sealing should not be confused with crack filling, which is normally used for large cracks. Crack sealer is typically applied over small cracks to seal out water, while crack filling involves forcing material into the crack. In some cases, the two procedures may be used on the same asphalt surface and occasionally on the same crack.
Crack sealing offers a number of benefits, including:
• Repair speed: Crack sealers can be applied quickly, reducing the time that traffic must disrupted.
• Minimal equipment: Workers need few tools and little space to seal cracks, eliminating the need to bring in heavy equipment.
• Effectiveness: Numerous studies have shown that crack sealing is an effective way to prevent the intrusion of water, and it also helps slow the growth of the crack.
• Cost: Because the cracks can be sealed quickly and with few demands on personnel and equipment resources, your costs are typically quite low.
Neglecting your asphalt pavement can reduce its life by eight years or more. Pavement that has been properly maintained will last longer — sometimes significantly longer than its expected life. Making crack-sealing part of your routine maintenance program can help ensure that you receive the best possible return on your asphalt investment.
MH Greeson Paving specializes in providing asphalt repair and parking lot maintenance to residential and commercial property owners in the Atlanta metropolitan area and most locations in North Georgia. Our crews have the experience and training needed to provide superior results at affordable rates. In addition to crack-sealing, sealcoating and crack-filling, we also offer paving services and pavement marking. Call 770-335-2983 or use the convenient form located on our website.
MH Greeson Paving is asphalt paving company in the Atlanta and Marietta area.
