Crackfilling is the most important aspect of asphalt maintenance. Cracks 1/4" or wider should be cleaned and filled with a hot pour, rubberized crack filler to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface. This penetration could result in base erosion which could lead to more extensive cracking or potholes. Our Crack Filling Procedures: Cracks are generally prepared using a heat lance. A heat lance uses extreme heat and compressed air to clean, dry and prime the crack for sealing. The compressed air will remove all debris from the crack while the heat will dry the crack and scorch the edges, allowing for better adhesion. Heat lancing will clean and prep the crack without making it larger. Routing is also an acceptable means of crack preparation. It uses a saw or router tip to cut the crack to a certain depth and height. Because the prepared crack is usually larger than it was originally, it is not as commonly used as heat lancing. Once prepared, the crack is then sealed with a hot pour rubberized crackfiller. The crackfiller penetrates the crack and binds to the edges. A band is formed over the crack to completely seal and prevent moisture from penetrating to the base. Black silica sand is then spread over the crackfiller. This sand binds to the filler giving it a skid resistant surface that: allows the cracks to be driven over almost immediately and minimizes any tracking or pulling up of crackfiller on tires or shoes. It also enables asphalt sealer to adhere better over the crackfiller which minimizes the appearance of crackfiller lines in the finished surface. Asphalt Crack Filling Advantages: Erosion prevention: Prevents water from entering cracks and eroding soil base Pothole prevention: Prevents cracks from developing into potholes Overlay protection: Prevents cracks from reflecting into new black top overlays Added Durability: Polyester fiber adds strength and flexibility to the filled crack