Repairing Your Pavement
Here in Texas, during the summer, it gets really hot, almost unbearable. They say you can fry an egg on the sidewalk. In fact, it has been done! Sidewalks aren’t the only thing that gets that hot. Asphalt driveways, parking lots, and roads get so hot, that they crack. The best method to repair these surfaces is a hot rubber crack repair.
What is hot crack filler?
Hot crack filler is a rubbery substance that is heated up to 400º with a melter. It is then applied to cracks in asphalt with specific equipment for crack and seals the crack to keep it waterproof. It is ready for traffic in under an hour. This is used for public parking lots and roadways where there is significant traffic.
There is also a cold crack filler, recommended for DIY asphalt repairs. It doesn’t require the special equipment that a hot rubber crack repair material does but takes longer to cure.
When do you need hot rubber crack Repair?
As much as we love and need water, it is the enemy when it comes to asphalt. Water and asphalt do not work well together. Some examples of what happens when water infiltrates an asphalt service:
- Asphalt cracks filled with water cause the foundation to erode
- When the water inside the asphalt cracks freezes and thaws, potholes are formed
- When asphalt cracks, as they get larger, they collect dirt and weeds grow
As soon as you see any cracks, repairing cracks in driveways, roadways, or parking lots, should be done sooner than later with cold or hot rubber crack repair. From a small crack, they grow and potholes form. Neglected too long, you’ll need to replace the surface with all new asphalt.
How do you repair large cracks in asphalt driveway?
Unfortunately, the hot rubber crack repair process requires specific equipment that not every homeowner will have on hand. The cold rubber crack repair is a simple process for a DIY homeowner. The product is available at your local hardware store, and it takes only a few basic tools.
The Preparation
The preparation is important and must be done prior to starting the repair job. If the surface isn’t clean and smooth, the patching material won’t adhere, and you’ll find you need to repeat the repair process or replace the asphalt surface completely. To prep the area, use the following steps:
- Using a chisel and hammer, remove any broken asphalt that is obstructing the crack.
- Next, use a wire brush and remove all the debris and dirt from the crack.
- Using a compressed air gun or a dry/wet shop vac, make sure the crack is completely clean of any loose debris and smaller pieces of asphalt.
The Filling Repair
With the crack thoroughly cleaned, it is time to fill cracks up to half-inch deep. If the crack is deeper than two inches pour crushed, small gravel up to the crack is 2” deep. Then follow these steps:
- With a steel tamper, compact the gravel down into the crack.
- Take the cold asphalt compound and fill the crack.
- Compact the compound with a tamper or a 4×4 wooden post.
- Tamp the compound down and if needed, add more, and repeat the process.
Note: It will take 24 to 48 hours for the blacktop fill to thoroughly dry, and a few weeks to completely cure. Do not apply any sealer for 3 to 4 weeks to allow air to escape from the filler, which helps it to harden. When you have this type of work done by a professional, they will use hot rubber crack repair material and the dry time is less than an hour and completely cured within a day or two.
Can all cracks be repaired with hot rubber?
No, repairing cracks in parking lots, driveways, or roadways with cracks smaller than 1/8 inches wide will not take an effective seal with a hot rubber crack repair process. The better solution is to have the entire area should be sealed with one of the following:
- Fog seal
- Chip seal
- Slurry seal
- Sand seal
They should be applied to a surface with a fluid flow so that all hairline cracks are filled.
What surfaces can be repaired with hot rubber?
A hot rubber crack repair material is used only on an asphalt surface. The chemicals and substances work together to seal the crack and make it waterproofed.
In Closing
It is important to know that hot rubber crack repairs should only be done in dry, warm weather. And checking the forecast for the next 24 to 48 hours is recommended, you don’t want it to rain after applying the hot rubber crack repair compound.
Never neglect a cracking asphalt surface for too long, Staying on top of the condition is will give you a longer lifespan before needing to have a total new surface.