Navigating through the sea of pavement maintenance options can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to asphalt crack filling.
While this maintenance technique helps to eliminate water penetration from the asphalt surface into the base layers, and stop cracks from getting wider and eventually forming potholes it isn’t necessarily the best asphalt maintenance solution for all businesses.
Using the proper methods and application technique, understanding the root reasons for asphalt crack repair, and realizing the geographic limitations for parking lot crack filling will help you determine if this method is something you should be budgeting for or ignoring altogether.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of rubberized asphalt parking lot crack filling for Florida’s unique climate and conditions.
Benefits of Asphalt Crack Repair:
Keeps Water at Bay: One of the main goals of crack filling is to keep water from seeping into the asphalt layers. Crack filling stops water migration from creeping in between layers of asphalt, weakening the top layer and causing it to pop loose or delaminate from the lower layer.
Protects the Base: Crack filling prevents base erosion in pavements with a substantial amount of surface cracking present. Water in the base layer can cause erosion over time leading to voids below the asphalt and ultimately asphalt failures like potholes.
Pairs Well with Sealcoating: Sealcoating doesn’t seal cracks, but crack fill does. Using crack fill before sealcoating can give you a surface that’s genuinely crack-free. The crackfill is still visible but will mask and fill existing cracks, preventing future water migration.
Saves You Money: When done right, crack filling can postpone major projects like repaving. So, crack fill and sealcoating can be looked at as life extending investments for your paved surfaces.
Cons of Parking Lot Crack Filling:
Warmer Florida Temperatures: In Florida, we see our warmer temperatures as a major pro but since freeze-thaw cycles are a rarity, crack filling for preventing freeze-thaw heave and subsurface failures isn’t a primary concern. This being said, crack fill isn’t necessary.
Florida’s Water Table: We’ll keep this short and to the point. Crack fill is not a common practice in Florida due to the level of our water table. Another point for crack fill not being a necessary practice!
Budget Considerations: The money spent on crack filling could potentially be used for other crucial maintenance tasks like sealcoating, striping, concrete work, or saved for more significant repairs down the line.
Aesthetic: Crack fill can stand out, especially on surfaces without sealcoating. It might look a bit like a patchwork quilt and might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Still feel crack fill is the right solution for your asphalt parking surface? At DMI Paving & Sealcoating, we pride ourselves on minimal interruption to your business, our top of the line equipment to save you time and money on any asphalt project, our environmentally conscious practices and our history of happy clients dating back to 1956.
Get a free estimate on your crack fill project, today!
