Over time, asphalt will crack. That is an inevitability. Even the best asphalt pavement will eventually start to crack. The key to prolonging the life of your pavement is to manage these cracks as they occur, preventing them from growing and doing any more damage.
Common Types of Asphalt Cracking
1. Surface or Shrinkage Cracks: These cracks are caused by lack of traffic, extreme temperature changes, excess water and/or ultraviolet degradation.
2. Structural or Reflective Cracks: These cracks are typically caused by vertical or horizontal movements of pavement beneath, due to expansion and contraction with temperature and moisture changes.
3. Joint or Seam Cracks: These types of cracks are caused by weak seam or improper pinch roll.
Cracks allow water to penetrate your asphalt pavement, eroding the stone base and leading to further cracking, potholes, and eventual premature failure. And this process is accelerated during the winter months.
Crack Filling: The Key to Asphalt Longevity
“Crack sealing and filling are imperative preventative maintenance tools.” – The Federal Highway Administration Manual of Practice (FWHA Report Number FHWS-RD-99-147)
In fact, crack filling can extend the life of asphalt from 6 to 20 years. So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and call your local asphalt contractor at the first sight of cracking.
Reliable Contracting: Your Baltimore Asphalt Contractor
Reliable Contracting Company is a full-service commercial and residential asphalt paving contractor, offering the production and installation of hot and cold-mix asphalt, asphalt patching, milling, seal coating and crack filling.
If you have any questions about Crack Filling or if you have a construction project that you need completed right the first time, please contact Reliable Contracting, Anne Arundel County’s largest site-work contractor, by calling 410-987-0313 or visit our website. Reliable Contracting now boasts more than 400 employees, 100 trucks and 250 pieces of earthmoving equipment!
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Source: The Basics of Crack Filling