Crack Sealing vs. Crack Filling – What’s the Difference?

by | May 21, 2018

When asphalt develops cracks, it’s important to evaluate the damage, find the cause, and implement the correct type of repair to slow or stop the damage. But while filling or sealing cracks can sometimes be used interchangeably, these two pavement repair techniques have important differences and are meant for different types of damage.

Here are the details:

Crack Filling
There are two main classes of asphalt cracks: working cracks and non-working cracks. And as you might guess, filling or sealing are each good for one type and not the other.

Non-working cracks are cracks that display almost no annual vertical or horizontal motion between the two sides of the crack (less than .01 inches). Because these cracks are stationary, they can simply be filled with crumb rubber, AC-3, or asphalt emulsion to keep water out of the crack space and reinforce the material on either side of the crack.

Crack Sealing
On the other hand, if the two sides are moving around more (annual motion greater than .01 inches) the crack is considered to be a working crack and needs a more specialized treatment. This is especially common with Transverse cracks.

Instead of simply filling the space within the crack, special rubberized products are applied over and inside the space to seal the crack against moisture while allowing the two sides to continue flexing up and down or left and right. By being repaired in this manner, a little bit of motion doesn’t pull apart or eject the filling, and the repair lasts much longer.

Be Proactive!
In either case, the longer asphalt damage is allowed to persist without the proper treatment, the more water, salt, and debris will get into the cracks, forcing the two sides apart and extending the size and scale of the issue while making proper repairs much more difficult. Driveways, roads, and parking lots are a substantial investment, and taking care of them with the proper preventative maintenance is by far the best way to protect that investment. This ensures that your paving surfaces are around for the long haul.

Work with the Experts
Not sure what cracks you have or how to treat them? No worries! At Stripe A Lot, our local West Michigan pavement experts can quickly and confidently diagnose your pavement issues. We have the tools, the equipment, and the training to resolve your issues and extend the life of your pavement promptly and affordably.

Asphalt that looks great and lasts longer.

Faded and cracked asphalt creates a bad impression. And knowing the best way to fix it can be confusing.

Stripe A Lot knows how to get your asphalt to look great and last longer.

Asphalt that looks great and lasts longer.

Faded and cracked asphalt creates a bad impression. And knowing the best way to fix it can be confusing. Stripe A Lot knows how to get your asphalt to look great and last longer.

Stripe A Lot Asphalt Maintenance Logo

Faded and cracked asphalt creates a bad impression. And knowing the best way to fix it can be confusing. Stripe A Lot knows how to get your asphalt to look great and last longer.

Stripe A Lot Asphalt Maintenance LLC
695 Lincoln Avenue, Holland, MI 49423
(616) 772-2559

Hours:
M–F, 8:30am–4:30pm

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