Asphalt crack sealer probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind as you’re tiptoeing through the tulips this time of year. But if you’re still gingerly sidestepping the gigantic cracks winter left behind in your driveway or parking lot, we’ve got a problem.

Those cracks zig-zagging across your parking lot aren’t just cosmetic. They’re your asphalt’s way of warning you something big is about to go down.

They’re saying:

“Wouldn’t a pothole look nice here?”
“Think I can make Aunt Glenda face plant next time she’s over?”
“You think this is bad? Just wait until you see what’s coming…”

Cracks don’t have self-healing powers. They can only go from bad to worse. Each crack is the opening act for bigger, uglier, more expensive problems.

When your asphalt starts cracking, you’ve got two choices: fix it now or pay more later. That’s where asphalt crack sealer comes in. It is a simple, affordable way to protect your pavement and smooth over those cracks without breaking the bank.

What Causes Asphalt to Crack?

Asphalt may be tough, but it’s not invincible. And here in the West Michigan area, we ask a lot of our asphalt.

One day your driveway is getting baked in scorching sun, expanding in the 97-degree heat and humidity. A few months later, it’s contracting to withstand the freezing temperatures and literal feet of snow. With snow plows and salt trucks giving it a beating all winter long, most asphalt is barely holding its head up by spring. You’d crack too under all that pressure!

But the cracks are just the beginning.

Each of those little cracks is letting water seep down into your pavement. The moisture weakens the base layer that’s supposed to hold your asphalt up. When winter comes, that water freezes and expands about 9%. The already weak asphalt starts to crumble. Before you know it, those small asphalt cracks have turned into pothole-sized headaches. 

Pothole repairs can cost up to 10 times more than regular preventative maintenance. Translation: sealing cracks as soon as they spring up is the best way to keep asphalt repair costs at a minimum.

What Is Asphalt Crack Filler?

Asphalt crack sealer is a flexible sealant designed to effectively repair cracks and keep them from spreading. There are a few types of asphalt crack filler:

• Cold pour filler (temporary at best)
• DIY hardware store solutions (here are 6 reasons why you shouldn’t go there)
• Professional hot rubber crack repair

You’ll never guess which one will actually get your asphalt to look great and last longer…

The Power of Hot Rubber Crack Repair

Hot rubber crack repair uses heated, rubberized asphalt sealant that’s applied directly into cleaned and prepared cracks. As the West Michigan asphalt repair experts, this is the only crack filling material we use because:

It Stays Flexible

Asphalt has to contract and expand to keep up with weather changes. Cold pour asphalt crack fillers can’t do that. When winter weather comes, cold pour crack filler gets brittle. It splits or pulls away from the edges of your asphalt, exposing your cracks at the worst possible time. (No one likes having a cold crack.)

It Prevents Potholes

Behind every pothole is the same sneaky culprit: moisture. Sealing cracks early stops water from causing further damage to your asphalt driveway or parking lot. When applied hot, crack filler flows deep into the crack, creating a tight seal that keeps water out.

It Extends Pavement Life

Asphalt crack filler is preventative maintenance. It can add years to your asphalt’s lifespan and delay costly replacement. It’s basically the asphalt equivalent of flossing your teeth, not glamorous but absolutely necessary.

Signs You Need Asphalt Crack Sealer (Like, Yesterday)

If you notice:

• Cracks wider than 1/4 inch (that’s not a hairline…that’s a headline)
• Your parking lot starting to resemble Charlotte’s web
• Edges crumbling like over-baked cornbread
• Faded, brittle-looking asphalt that’s more gray than grand

It’s time. 

Please, cover up your cracks. You’re already showing too much and frankly, it’s getting embarrassing.

We’re not talking about a quick “pull up your pants and remind yourself to buy a belt” kind of cover. It’s time to cover those babies up the right way…

Asphalt Sealant + Sealcoating = Your Driveway’s Dream Team

We know you don’t want to deal with asphalt cracks every spring. Which is why we want to introduce you to the asphalt dream team: asphalt crack filler + sealcoating.

Crack sealing fixes the structural issues while sealcoating strengthens and protects the entire surface.

Together, they:

• Shield against UV damage (sealcoating is like sunscreen for your asphalt)
• Keep water out long after the material is applied
• Restore that sleek, clean black finish
• Get the neighbors talking about how good your ass-pahlt looks
• Save you money long term

Crack repair is the bare minimum. Sealcoating is the protective armor. 

Don’t Let Small Asphalt Driveway Cracks Turn Into Big Problems

Your parking lot or driveway is one of the first things visitors see. Cracked pavement doesn’t just look rough, it signals neglect.

Properly applied hot rubber asphalt crack sealer keeps your parking lot or driveway:

• Safer
• Stronger
• Looking good

Add a good sealcoat to the mix and your asphalt will be ready for anything. 

If your pavement is showing signs of stress, don’t wait for potholes to make the decision for you. Professional asphalt sealant and hot rubber crack repair now can save you from paying thousands later.

Schedule your free estimate today before small cracks turn into major repairs.