What Is Parking Lot Crack Sealing?
Why Is Parking Lot Crack Sealing Critical?
Winter driveway and parking lot crack sealing is essential for preventing long-term damage to your asphalt surfaces.
Open cracks in the pavement allow water to seep into the foundation, where freezing and thawing cycles during winter can weaken and erode the base.
This can lead to serious issues like alligator cracking, potholes, and subsidence.
By sealing these cracks with a hot rubberized crack sealant, you protect the foundation from water penetration, ensuring your pavement remains durable and strong through harsh winter conditions.
Addressing cracks in winter can minimize the risk of costly repairs come spring, making it a smart, proactive maintenance strategy.
Do the Same Principles Apply to Cracks in Asphalt Driveways?
Whether you have an asphalt driveway or an asphalt parking lot, your pavement can develop cracks.
Regardless of the pavement’s use, it is always better to seal asphalt cracks rather than fill them.
However, if driveway crack sealing is impossible for some reason, it would be wise to fill them.
Closing the cracks, even if it is a temporary repair, can keep out the water that might damage the pavement’s foundation.
Will a Hot Rubberized Crack Sealant Repair Any Type of Crack?
When it comes to Winter Driveway and Parking Lot Crack Sealing, it’s essential to understand that not all cracks can be effectively repaired by simply filling them with sealant. While hot rubberized crack sealant is a highly effective and durable solution for most types of cracks, there are exceptions to this rule.
For the majority of cracks in your driveway or parking lot, a hot rubberized crack sealant can provide a long-lasting repair. This method works particularly well on linear cracks, which develop due to asphalt aging, temperature fluctuations, or heavy traffic. When applied correctly, hot rubberized crack sealant creates a flexible and watertight barrier that prevents further water infiltration, freezing, and thawing—all of which contribute to crack expansion during the winter months.
However, there is one significant exception: alligator cracking. Alligator cracking refers to a series of closely spaced, interconnected cracks that resemble the scales of an alligator’s skin. Unlike standard cracks, alligator cracking typically indicates a more severe underlying issue—damage to the base layer of the asphalt. In these cases, simply applying a hot rubberized crack sealant will not be effective. Without addressing the compromised base, any repair attempt over these cracks will fail almost immediately.
For alligator cracking, contractors will generally recommend more comprehensive repair methods. Two common solutions include full-depth patching or a skin overlay patch. A full-depth patch involves removing the damaged asphalt and base material, repairing the base, and installing new asphalt. This method addresses the root cause of the issue and provides a long-lasting solution. On the other hand, a skin overlay patch involves placing a thin layer of asphalt over the damaged area as a temporary fix, but it does not address the base failure.
In winter conditions, proper crack sealing for driveways and parking lots is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your asphalt surfaces. Failing to seal cracks during cold weather allows water to seep into the asphalt, where it can freeze, expand, and worsen the damage. By proactively using hot rubberized crack sealant on manageable cracks and identifying areas that require more extensive repairs, you can extend the life of your driveway or parking lot while preventing costly repairs in the future.
In summary, while hot rubberized crack sealant is an excellent solution for most cracks, it cannot effectively repair alligator cracking. For homeowners and property managers looking to protect their surfaces during the harsh winter months, it’s essential to evaluate the condition of the asphalt and consult with a knowledgeable contractor to determine the best repair strategy. Winter driveway and parking lot crack sealing not only protects your investment but also ensures safety and longevity for your asphalt surfaces.
Can B&E Coating Services Repair Cracks in Asphalt Pavements?
At B&E Coating Services, we specialize in asphalt services for customers in Michigan.
Our services include catch basin and drain repairs, asphalt crack repair, sealcoating, asphalt patching, infrared asphalt repair, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, parking lot sweeping, asphalt paving, pothole repair, and power washing.
We also construct and repair concrete, repair drains and catch basins, and repair gravel driveways.
We have an exceptional reputation for service and workmanship.
If you are interested in receiving a free quote, complete the online request form, or call 800-SEAL-817.
