Asphalt Crack Repair & Sealing

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Not all cracks are the same, and the repair approach depends on the crack type:

• Linear cracks: Long, straight cracks caused by thermal expansion and contraction—ideal candidates for hot rubber sealing
• Alligator cracking: Interconnected cracks resembling reptile skin that indicate sub-base failure—crack sealing will not fix this; resurfacing or replacement is needed
• Edge cracks: Cracks along the driveway border caused by erosion or lack of edge support
• Block cracks: Large rectangular cracks from asphalt shrinkage and aging
• Reflection cracks: Cracks that mirror joints or cracks in the underlying base layer

Asphalt cracks develop from a combination of factors. Thermal expansion and contraction from daily temperature swings cause the pavement to expand in heat and contract in cold, creating stress fractures over time. UV oxidation from sun exposure dries out the asphalt binder, making the surface brittle and prone to cracking. Water infiltration, heavy vehicle loads, and inadequate base preparation all contribute to crack formation. In North Alabama, the combination of intense summer heat and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles accelerates this process.

Water is the primary enemy of asphalt pavement. When rainwater enters through cracks, it saturates the stone base beneath the asphalt. In warm weather, this softens the base and causes the pavement to flex and crack further under vehicle weight. In cold weather, water in the base freezes and expands, heaving the pavement and creating potholes. Sealing cracks stops this cycle by preventing water from reaching the base in the first place. This is the single most cost-effective maintenance step for extending pavement life.

Linear cracks, edge cracks, and block cracks with widths between 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch are ideal candidates for hot rubber sealing. The crack must be clean and dry, and the surrounding pavement should be structurally sound. Hairline cracks narrower than 1/4 inch are typically addressed with sealcoating rather than individual crack filling.

If cracks are accompanied by alligator cracking, rutting, or widespread surface failure, crack sealing alone will not solve the problem. These are symptoms of base failure that require more extensive intervention. In these cases, we recommend patching the failed areas, resurfacing the surface, or in severe cases, complete repaving. We assess the condition of your pavement during the free on-site evaluation and recommend the appropriate level of repair.

We begin by thoroughly cleaning each crack with high-pressure air and wire brushes to remove dirt, vegetation, and moisture. This step is critical—the sealant cannot bond to a dirty or wet crack wall. We then heat rubberized crack sealant to the proper temperature and pour it into the crack, filling it from the bottom up. The sealant is squeegeed flush with the surface to create a smooth, water-tight seal. The flexible rubber formulation expands and contracts with temperature changes, maintaining the seal through seasonal cycles.

Crack sealing is most effective when combined with a regular maintenance program. After cracks are sealed, applying sealcoating provides an additional layer of protection over the sealed cracks and the surrounding surface. We recommend inspecting your pavement annually for new cracks and sealing them promptly before water can cause base damage. This proactive approach significantly extends the life of your asphalt investment.

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