An asphalt driveway adds both practical value and an impressive visual appeal to any home; however, it may degrade with age. When this occurs, cracks can form and become hazardous or unattractive to look at.
So how to fix cracks in asphalt driveway? Read more as we’ll discuss this topic in today’s article.
Types Of Asphalt Cracks
It is imperative to classify the type of crack before treating an asphalt crack. Here are some common types:
- Hairline Cracks – These thin cracks, as thin as a strand of hair or as thick as a pencil, are mainly aesthetic and do not present any danger to vehicles or people. Nevertheless, if neglected over time, they can become much more severe.
- Alligator Cracks – Alligator cracks, aptly named for their resemblance to an alligator’s scales, can be hazardous and require immediate attention. The primary cause of these types of cracks is aging infrastructure combined with harsh weather conditions and heavy traffic loads. A weakened sub-base or base course is often the culprit behind alligator cracking, thus requiring professional repairs to keep up safety standards.
- Potholes – Potholes are vast, bottomless chasms in the pavement that can be caused by water seepage or heavy traffic. They present a significant danger to all motorists and passersby, making them one of the highest priorities for repair crews.
- Edge Cracking – Poor compaction of the asphalt mix along the edges can lead to a dangerous phenomenon known as Edge Cracking. This type of crack jeopardizes safety and should be addressed urgently for optimal security.
- Wheelpath Longitudinal Cracking – This kind of crack is typically caused by either heavy vehicle traffic or an imperfect asphalt installation.
- Non-Wheelpath Longitudinal Cracking – When asphalt is unable to maintain its bond or when it is exposed to a variety of temperatures, cracking occurs, caused by the contraction in the pavement.
- Transverse Cracking – Transverse cracking is often caused by either too little asphalt binder or inadequate compaction, as well as by over-compacting the surface.
- Reflection Cracking – This type of fissure is formed as a consequence of shifting in the foundational layers, such as a base course or sub-base.
Methods To Repair Asphalt Cracks
Now that you are aware of the type of cracks in your structure, let us go over our repair choices. There are several options available:
- Hot Asphalt Crack Repair – If you want to effectively mend hairline cracks and alligator cracking, there is no better approach than this one. Heat the asphalt up using either a hot air lance or propane torch and fill in the crack with warm asphalt mix. To finish it off, generously cover the repair with an asphalt sealer for optimal results.
- Cold Patch Repair – If your asphalt surface has minor cracks or fissures, a cold patch repair is the perfect solution. This process merely entails filling these crevices with cold asphalt mix and evening it out. But for more extensive damage, such as large fractures or potholes, an asphalt resurfacing may be required: this consists of removing the cracked portions of pavement and replacing them with new material.
- Crack Sealing – Hairline cracks need not cause alarm, as crack sealing is sufficient to protect them from becoming larger or more extreme. The sealant used for this method consists of an elastomeric compound that stretches with the flexibility of asphalt.
- Professional Repair – If you find that deep cracks, potholes or alligator cracking have damaged your driveway, it is best to enlist the services of a professional asphalt contractor. Proficient and armed with the right equipment, they can effectively fix any issue while ensuring quality repair work.
Why It’s Best To Hire A Professional Rather Than Doing The Repairs On Your Own
Although it is possible to do asphalt crack repair on your own, it is often best to hire a professional. A professional asphalt contractor like New Jersey’s top paving company, Productive Asphalt LLC, will have the experience and tools necessary to make sure that the repairs are done correctly. By enlisting their services, not only can they apply their expertise to fix your existing cracks and other related issues with your driveway; but also recommend preventive measures to ensure its long-term sustainability. Ultimately, this will save you time and money in the future. Each kind of asphalt crack repair requires precision for it to be done properly, which is why hiring qualified personnel is essential. Investing in a reliable contractor will guarantee that your repairs are completed accurately and securely. Moreover, inspecting your driveway periodically for any signs of splitting or other damage is essential so you can take corrective action immediately before the issue intensifies.
By heeding these guidelines and enlisting a skilled professional to repair asphalt cracks, you can preserve the excellent condition of your driveway for years to come.
Conclusion
Asphalt cracks can be a major nuisance, leaving lasting harm to your driveway, so it is important to identify the type of crack you have in order to choose an effective repair method. Fortunately, there are several options available for fixing and preventing future damage caused by asphalt cracking.
For minor cracks and potholes, hot asphalt crack repair or cold patch repair is a highly effective solution. In more extreme cases of cracking or damage to the asphalt, a resurfacing job or professional maintenance may be warranted for lasting results.
Adopting these ideas and enlisting a seasoned contractor can help prolong the life of your driveway while keeping it in an excellent condition.
