Suppose your parking lot or driveway is looking a bit weary. In that case, you may ask yourself, “Does sealcoating fill driveway cracks?” Asphalt cracks are inevitable. Asphalt is quite durable but requires some maintenance to keep it in good shape. With freeze-thaw conditions and natural ground movement, your driveway or parking lot will experience expansion and contraction, creating cracks. Call 410 Asphalt for a professional evaluation and recommendations to fill driveway cracks and keep your driveway in the best possible condition.
When To Fill Driveway Cracks
It’s best to fill driveway cracks sooner than later. If you see cracks that measure ⅛” or more, it’s time to take action. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done. Your parking lot or driveway will last for 20 or more years with prompt, quality maintenance. If you reach the pothole stage, your time and money spent will grow exponentially. And if you wait even longer, you’ll have to tear out the existing asphalt and replace it. If you’re at that stage, look at this article for more information on the best time of year to install asphalt. It’s far less expensive to keep a regular maintenance schedule than to replace a costly property component.
Asphalt Sealcoating Or Filling Driveway Cracks?
When it’s time to fill driveway cracks, you may think sealcoating will do the trick. If the cracks are ⅛” or less, sealcoating will fill driveway cracks or the cracks in your parking lot. Most often, cracks of that size go unnoticed. Once they get larger, you must use a crack sealant on the cracks before sealcoating is applied. If your asphalt isn’t at the top of your mind, you’re not alone. 410 Asphalt is here to help you keep your asphalt in excellent condition. We can evaluate your asphalt and give you our professional recommendations.
Is Sealcoating A Good DIY Project?
Sealcoating your asphalt isn’t complicated. Before you take on driveway cracks or sealcoating, there are several things to consider. Weather is important for both products to cure correctly. If it’s too hot, your sealcoating will be a mess. And it will be a sticky mess that will get tracked onto any service. Ruining carpet or hardwood flooring would be a costly, irritating mistake. The crack filler needs more heat to do its job. Both products can be worked with well by a seasoned DIY person. Make sure you’re crystal clear on recommended temperatures and drying times before you start the job. Remember that if you have root damage to your asphalt, you must deal with it before moving forward.
The Difference Between Sealcoating And Crack Filler
Crack filler expands and contracts with temperature changes. A licensed professional contractor won’t sealcoat asphalt surfaces with cracks larger than ⅛” or 3mm. The cracks need to be treated separately before sealcoating. Sealcoating is less rigid and protects against water, car fluids, and oxidation. The crack sealer is more flexible, keeping out debris and water. A crack sealer will work on ⅛”- 1 ½” cracks. Sealcoating will only work on cracks ⅛” or less.
How Often Should You Fill Asphalt Cracks
You should fill asphalt driveway cracks every year and a half to two years. Sealcoating should be applied every three to five years. Putting a reminder in your calendar is helpful. Most people leave hastily to get somewhere or are tired upon return. Looking for driveway cracks isn’t top of mind. 410 Asphalt will schedule maintenance so you can rest easy.
If hiring a licensed professional contractor appeals to you more than dealing with tar, give 410 Asphalt a call. We’ll do the dirty work.
