Asphalt driveways and parking lots can withstand heavy vehicles and tough weather conditions. But constant exposure to traffic, rain, intense sunlight, and other environmental factors cause the surface of your road to wear down over time. When you notice cracks appearing on roads, you should address them right away to prevent long-term structural damage.
A professional asphalt crack filler helps create a watertight seal that keeps moisture, debris, & other elements from penetrating beneath the surface of your asphalt driveway. You should know when and why asphalt crack filling becomes necessary; that’s how you can protect your core pavement investment and avoid expensive replacements down the road. You can fix a driveway crack on your own… but it’s better to actually hire professionals to do this job.
Situation 1: Hairline Cracks First Appear on the Surface
Heavy traffic and other factors have a major impact on your asphalt’s lifespan. Small hairline cracks may appear that often look harmless… but they are actually the first warning signs of future replacement needs. Some property owners attempt to patch these early openings with a product like a concrete filler for cracks or a cement filler for cracks, which doesn’t work!
Keep in mind that concrete & cement fillers are rigid compounds; asphalt is a flexible material that tends to expand & contract as the surrounding temperature fluctuates. Applying a tough & rigid cement compound makes the filler pop out or crack under movement. That’s why experts use a flexible, hot-rubberized asphalt crack filler to make sure that the sealant moves with the pavement. It keeps water locked out permanently.
Situation 2: Before Applying a Fresh Coat of Sealcoat
Sealcoating remains one of the most effective methods to protect your asphalt surface from UV rays and oils. But sealcoat is simply a protective topcoat liquid. Not a structural gap filler. When you apply sealcoat over open cracks without filling them first, you get poor results. Since liquid sealcoat simply pools in the cracks… or sinks right through them. So, executing proper asphalt crack filling before sealcoating creates an even, level foundation.
Situation 3: Monsoons and Heavy Rain Seasons Approach
Another situation where asphalt crack filler becomes necessary is the monsoon! Summer monsoons in Southern Arizona can lead to sudden and heavy rainfall. Water is a major risk factor when it comes to your asphalt structure. Heavy rain can hit unsealed pavement, so water flows directly into existing cracks… down into the underlying gravel sub-base.
Once water saturates this delicate sub-base, the soil becomes soft. It starts to shift beneath the weight of passing vehicles. When the asphalt loses its support, it begins to collapse, and you see potholes. That’s why you should start filling these cracks before the rainy season.
Situation 4: Preparing a Property for Sale or Inspection
When you are selling a residential property or managing a commercial building, you realize that the property’s curb appeal impacts its overall resale value & safety liability. Cracking pavement looks like the property faced neglect. It can also create tripping hazards for visitors and clients. Whether your pavement is made of tarmac or asphalt, a well-maintained appearance helps you get higher offers. You also prevent potential slip-and-fall liability claims in the future.
Only Hire Asphalt Crack Filler Professionals
As scientists create self-healing asphalt that repairs itself and extends your pavement’s lifespan by 30%, you should keep in mind that professionals always use the right materials & technology to make your asphalt driveway last longer. Ignoring minor surface openings lets water & heavy traffic turn simple repairs into full driveway rebuilds. That’s why professionals encourage you to address minor repair needs. That’s what we do here at Sunrise Asphalt.
We’ve been providing Tucson residents with expert paving & sealcoating services for the past 30 years or so… Our team uses commercial-grade hot-pour crack fillers that were designed to withstand Southern Arizona’s harsh desert climate. Contact Sunrise Asphalt today to schedule your free estimate and keep your asphalt driveway smooth & secure year-round!
