FAQs
CRACK-FILLING
What is hot pour crack filler?
Hot pour crack filler is a flexible, rubber-like commercial grade product that is heated and used to repair cracks in asphalt pavements. Hot-pour asphalt crack fillers are always asphalt based which means they have a higher concentration of asphalt mix than water. It starts out as a solid, rubber block which is melted down in a special kettle that is heated to 400 degrees. Once melted, the crack filler is applied over cracks and hardens up deep inside the crack, keeping water from penetrating the asphalt to cause further crack development. Hot pour crack filler typically sets in about 10 minutes or less.
Why isn’t the hot pour crack filler completely hardened?
After it has been applied and allowed to cool, hot pour crack filler is supposed to remain flexible, allowing it to expand and contract with the outside air temperature. If you press it with your finger, it will flex. If you park on it with your car tires, it will temporarily retain the tread pattern. This is normal for this type of material.
Why did some of the cracks re-open?
This happens due to the freeze/thaw cycles among other things. Cracks may re-open. Crack filler is not a permanent solution, but a time buying procedure that cannot be guaranteed. Crack filler is a yearly maintenance and prevention of bigger cracks.
Some of the hot pour crack filler pulled up! What should I do?
Hot pour crack filler can sometimes pull up because of parking directly on it with the hot tires of a vehicle that has just come to rest after prolonged driving at highway speeds. The hot tires can re-heat the crack filler, which then re-cools, adhering to the tire. When the vehicle is later moved, a small portion of the hot pour crack filler is pulled up with the tire. There is not much that can be done to prevent this except try not to park directly on the hot pour crack filler while the tires are still hot.
How soon can the asphalt treatment be applied to hot crack filler?
Pavement sealer can be applied to hot pour crack filler almost immediately! Hot pour crack filler usually cools enough to apply sealcoating within 5-10 minutes.
Is the crack filler visible through the asphalt treatment?
Yes, you will be able to see the crack fill through the sealcoat! This is because the texture of the crack fill is smoother than the texture of the asphalt. This is unavoidable.
How long must I stay off the hot rubber crack filler?
Hot rubber crack filler cools in minutes and is covered with sand to prevent sticking to tires and shoes. You may travel over the hot rubber filler within minutes of application so as not to interrupt traffic.
Why should we fill cracks in asphalt pavement?
The short answer is to prevent larger cracks from forming and deteriorating the base. The cracks will continue to grow larger in size due to water entering the crack in the winter and freezing; also this water will find its way down to the base gravel under the pavement causing the base to become unstable, thus causing more cracks and deterioration in the pavement.
Can the asphalt treatment material fill cracks in the pavement?
No, pavement sealer will not fill cracks in the pavement. Cracks come in many sizes, and we offer different solutions depending on the size. Once pavement damage has started, it tends to progress at an increasing rate. The sooner problems are addressed, the greater costs savings.
SCHEDULING + JOBSITE
How do I get the work scheduled?
Once you have accepted and returned a signed copy of the contract or e-signed, along with any options you’ve selected, we will discuss scheduling. Please remember that asphalt treatments and crack filling are weather sensitive jobs. If we need to reschedule the job due to weather conditions, we will contact you as soon as possible to do so. Also, keep in mind that we are a seasonal operation at the mercy of temperatures and weather conditions.
When will the crew arrive?
We sometimes have several jobs scheduled in one day, so it may be hard to give an exact time, but we will always give you our best estimate.
How does the crew prepare the asphalt to be treated?
When we arrive, we will first double check to ensure vehicles, etc. have been cleared from the work area. We will then wire broom and blow the dirt off of the asphalt. Next, we will brush on oil spot primer if needed. This is followed by filling cracks if the contract includes it. Sealer will then be applied and coned off. If the cones are moved and vehicles, people, or bikes go through restricted areas, we are not responsible for any damage caused as that is beyond our control.
How do we inform tenants of the work?
If we are sealcoating the road in phases, we will supply a color-coded phase map. Every effort should be made to accommodate the crew’s working schedule. Please make other arrangements for trash pick–up, lawn care, sprinklers, appointments, etc. If sealing a commercial parking lot we may sealcoat in sections allowing one to dry before sealing the next. This allows for sections of the parking lot to stay open for business.
ASPHALT TREATMENTS
Will treating the asphalt “buy” a few more years of life to old, cracked pavement?
Absolutely not! This is a common misconception. Sealcoating on poorly damaged pavement is just a glorified coat of black paint. It is better to save the money spent on sealcoating and apply it towards new asphalt or overlays. Your estimator will provide his best assessment and course of action for your project.
How is the asphalt treatment applied?
We have the capacity to squeegee or spray depending on your preference, needs, and budget. You can opt for 2 or 3 coats to be applied as it provides a neater, more uniform appearance on higher traffic areas. We cannot seal in temperatures below 55 (including overnight temperatures) and normal sealing season is generally April-Oct depending on weather conditions. We make every effort to prevent overspray, however, if sealer does happen to get onto your property we will remove it for you.
How long do I need to stay off the treated surfaces?
Drying times will vary due to weather conditions and shaded areas will take longer to dry, but generally 24 hours from application completion. Our crews will cone off/barricade treated areas and will reopen and remove cones once the material is completely dry. Please do not move cones, walk, drive, or bike through the barricaded areas as this could cause the wet sealer to track onto curbs, sidewalks, driveways, and other areas. In the spring and fall, 48 hours is recommended. Although the material dries in 24 hours it takes 30 days to cure, so please do not use harsh chemicals or turn vehicle tires without the vehicle moving.
Why do we see tire marks on the treated surface?
You may see tire marks or scuffing on the surface for about two weeks. This is normal. You can help with this by driving slowly and turning the steering wheel gently in your turn instead of stopping and turning the wheel into the ground. The scuffing and tire marks should stop in about two weeks and will completely buff in.
Will the material make the pavement slippery or squeaky?
No. The pavement treatment we use will not make the surface slippery. We use a customized, high-performing material called Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion. It is completely non-toxic and free of coal tar and PAHs. Not all contractors use this type of mix so be sure to ask.
Are all brands of asphalt treatment material the same?
Absolutely not! Store bought materials cannot compare to the high–quality commercial grade materials we use. Not all mixes and formulas are the same either, even in professional–grade materials, so be sure to ask for the specifications and the material safety data sheet regarding how much sand, water, and other additives are used. You can also request lab reports and technical bulletins to glean the safety and effectiveness. We are proud to use an eco-friendly, non-toxic, coal tar free, and 0.00 % PAH asphalt protection formula called Pitch Black that is durable, flexible, and beautiful. Ask us for a lab report or sample!
My pavement has some depressions that hold water; will sealer fix this?
No; sealing the pavement will not fill depressions or “bird baths.” These types of repairs should be discussed and performed in advance of treating the pavement.