Those cracks that are lining your parking lot are not there to make it look pretty. Instead they are there to show you that your parking lot is getting close to crumbling into a million little pieces. Never allow cracked asphalt to go unrepaired and untreated; this is a recipe for disaster.
How Asphalt Cracks are Created
These cracks are created from water seeping into the asphalt of your parking lot and they get bigger and bigger as the water freezes, thaws, and refreezes once again. While the cracks are bad enough, did you also know that it means that the base layers of your parking lot are being damaged as well?
Alligator Cracking
Once your base layers become damaged, you will start seeing more cracks. Asphalt cracks that form a large design are called alligator cracks because they resemble the hide of an alligator. The freeze-thaw process continues to damage the asphalt, and that is when the potholes will appear.
Potholes in Asphalt
Multiple potholes will destroy all the foundation of your parking lot. As soon as the foundation is destroyed, you are looking at a major bill, because the entire parking lot will need to be replaced.
Preventative Maintenance
Thankfully, you can prevent major repairs by simply repairing those cracks in your asphalt before they get too bad. Small cracks should be addressed as quickly as possible before they have the chance to become alligator cracks and potholes.
Polymer Based Crack Filler
The crack fill that is used is a polymer based material that expands and contracts with the movements of the cracks in your parking lot. This material is applied at an extremely high temperature so that the asphalt melts and forms a strong bond with the filler.
Many cracks can be filled with this material, but we usually do not recommend using it with cracks that are smaller than a quarter inch thick. The reason for this is that smaller cracks will not bond with the material as well and it ends up being pulled up by the vehicles that are driving over it.
While it is possible to just fill the cracks and do nothing else, we recommend that you also have a sealcoat applied on top of the crack filler. By adding the sealcoating, you are not only making the crack filler stronger, you are also making your parking lot look nicer.
Asphalt Repair and Maintenance in Chicago
If you are concerned with the condition of your parking lot, call us and have the necessary repairs completed. The people who use your parking lot and your bank account will thank you later. Call us at 847-299-1830 to discuss problems you’re having with your asphalt parking lot or driveway. We’ll inspect it for free and give you our professional opinion.