Your parking lot is the welcome mat to your business. Ensuring you are putting your best foot forward is essential to gain consumer trust, avoid liabilities, and help prevent substantial damage to your asphalt. The best way to do so is to seal cracks as quickly as possible once you notice them.
Why is crack sealing so important?
As an integral piece of a proper pavement maintenance plan, we are here to help you best understand crack sealing. We’re going to cover everything from what causes cracks, to crack sealing, and how to best prevent them in the first place. With over 15 years in the asphalt industry, Toste Construction is a trusted source for all of your asphalt needs.
What causes cracks in an asphalt parking lot?
Ther are a number of items that can cause cracking in an asphalt parking lot. Based on the type of crack that is in your parking lot can tell a lot about how they are formed. Your local asphalt contractor will be able to identify the exact cause, but below are a few common causes:
- Asphalt composition and installation
- Presence of moisture
- Local climate and weather patterns including rain, snow, sun, and temperature
- Traffic frequency and load weight
As we said, various cracks form for various reasons. Discussing with your local contractor will not only reveal the type of crack, but also the best solution to fix the cracking and prevent it in the future.
What is crack sealing?
Crack sealing is exactly that – a sealant covers the cracks to prevent rain and moisture from flowing through the pavement. When left unfilled, moisture will erode the base materials of the asphalt parking lot. This will lead to pothole formation and pavement failure, both of which will require significant repair.
Ideally, cracks should be sealed as quickly as possible to help prevent them from expanding and cause further damage. We recommend completing regular inspections of your parking lot to identify cracking areas of concern. As a rule of thumb, cracks over an inch wide may require more extensive repair so the sooner you can catch them, the quicker you are able to complete the repair.
Crack sealing will protect your asphalt and save you significantly in the long-run.
How to prevent cracks in the first place?
The best way to manage cracking is to prevent them in the first place. To do so, we recommend sealcoating your asphalt at least ever 2-3 years. Sealcoating is the process of applying a thin coat of sealer to the asphalt surface. This will replenish the binder that is lost through weathering and aging. Additionally, sealcoating provides a barrier to moisture intrusion along with UV rays, chemicals, and salt.
Unfortunately, not all cracking is completely preventative.
If your parking lot is starting to show signs oof cracking, it is best to call an asphalt contractor. While it is possible to DIY the crack sealing, it is always best to hire a professional as they will have the proper tools, knowledge, and experience to complete the job. They will also be able to complete everything in a timely manner and provide a better final product.
If you are located in the greater Lake Norman area and in need of a professional asphalt contractor to seal your cracking parking lot, call our office today! Toste Construction offers over 15 years experience andd provides asphalt services of every kind. Whether you need crack sealing or sealcoating for your entire parking lot, we can help! Request your FREE estimate today and trust you are in good hands.
Toste Construction specializes in sealcoating and crack filling to ensure you and your customers have a smooth surface to drive on. We are your Mooresville asphalt and pavement maintenance company. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, striping, patching, pothole repair and crack filling for both residential and commercial projects throughout western North Carolina.