Asphalt sealer is a wonderful product that offers a number of benefits, but it is not an appropriate choice for filling asphalt cracks for every situation. Here are the reasons why.

• Sealants need to be applied in thin coats so that they can cure properly. To fill a crack, you would have to apply the sealant too thickly for it to cure as it should. It will quickly begin to flake or otherwise deteriorate, leaving the crack in even worse shape as you still have a crack as well as the debris from the sealant to contend with.
• When asphalt sealants cure, they become hard, which is what you want from a product that needs to resist tire scuffing and shield your pavement from UV rays, automotive fluid leaks and oxidation. However, a hard, inflexible material is just what you do not want for filling a crack. It will not be able to move when the pavement expands or contracts; contracting pavement can crumble it and expanding pavement will open a gap, and either way, water will have an opportunity to reach the foundation.
• Crack filling is an inexpensive repair that can save you thousands of dollars down the road. Sealcoating is also economical and very cost-effective. However, you need both, and neither is an appropriate substitute for the other. In short, match the product to the job, but include both in your preventive maintenance.

Michigan winters can be brutal, so if you have cracks in your asphalt, now is the time to have them repaired if you want to avoid unwelcome surprises next spring. Runoff from melting snow and ice, combined with the damage from the cycle of freezing and thawing that causes asphalt to contract and expand, will make the cracking worse and probably damage your pavement’s foundation.

Contact the experts at B&E Coating Services today if you need asphalt repairs, residential sealcoating, pavement marking, asphalt paving or any other asphalt maintenance service. We cover the entire state of Michigan, and our crews having the training and experience to give you exceptional results at reasonable rates. Complete our online form to request a free quote, or give our Grand Rapids asphalt paving contractors a call at 989-352-7305.