Why You Should Seal the Cracks in Your Parking Lot
When you first pave your asphalt driveway or lot, you enjoy the smooth, black surface that looks new and fresh, and may even still smell like fresh asphalt! Your asphalt contractor in Phoenix, AZ likely gave you a list of maintenance tips to help your parking lot last as long as possible. If you want to avoid the premature need for complete repaving due to cracks, fissures and potholes, it’s important to follow good asphalt maintenance. Read on to learn more about cracks and caring for your parking lot.
Why cracks form in asphalt
Heat, moisture, pressure and ground movement all contribute to cracks developing in asphalt. Water and moisture can penetrate beneath the surface of the asphalt, leading to cracks. Water expands when it freezes, so during the next freeze cycle, the cracks will expand as well, causing even deeper fissures. However, even if the water doesn’t freeze, it will still infiltrate the base of the asphalt, creating permanent damage to the foundation of your parking lot. Heat from the sun also beats down on the asphalt, absorbs into the surface and dries it out. This oppressive heat also contributes to cracking. Finally, movement from the gravel bed that the asphalt is installed on, as well as seasonal freeze-and-thaw cycles and earthquakes, create stress on the surface of the asphalt, leading to cracks.
Preventing and repairing cracks when they happen
Cracks are inevitable. However, an asphalt lot that’s properly cared for should last between 15 and 30 years. First, make sure you apply a sealant to your asphalt lot before moisture and heat can penetrate to the foundation and cause irreversible damage. It’s best to apply hot-poured crack sealant when the lot is first installed, as aftermarket crack sealant products don’t work as well.
Even with sealant applied, cracks may still form in your driveway or lot. It’s important to fix cracks when they develop and before they are able to transform into deeper fissures that will result in irreparable damage that will require your asphalt contractor in Phoenix, AZ to repair or completely replace your lot. Hot-rubberized sealants should be applied to your driveway at the first sign of cracks. Crack sealant should be applied as an annual preventative maintenance measure to extend the life of your parking lot and save you lots of money on repairs and premature replacement. If you’re getting your lot resealed, the contractor can apply an even stronger hot-rubberized crack sealant before your sealcoating.
If you need an asphalt contractor in Phoenix, AZ to repair your parking lot, Sunstar Seal Coating, Inc. is a dependable and prompt driveway and parking lot specialist. We have been locally owned and operated since 2004 and are fully bonded, licensed and insured for your protection and peace of mind. We work hard to provide all our clients with the most reliable paving services available and can offer a wide range of services that meet your commercial or personal needs. Give us a call for a clear and upfront quote today!
Categorised in: Asphalt Contractor
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