Asphalt is a common choice for driveways and parking lots, and while it requires little maintenance, it can develop cracks over time. Repairing these cracks promptly helps prevent further damage and keeps your asphalt in good condition.
Use these steps to re-fill cracked asphalt paving.
Preparation and Excavation
The affected area must be clean and smooth for the patching material to adhere, so begin by preparing the area. For most cracks, this is a relatively simple task. Use a hammer and chisel to rid the crack of any broken pieces of asphalt, then use a wire brush to remove dirt and debris. Finally, use a shop vac or compressed air gun to completely remove all small particles and loose debris. If your asphalt is badly cracked, consider excavation in Calgary to remove the material and provide a clean base for new paving.
Fix Small Cracks
Cracks less than ½ inch can be filled using a rubberized asphalt-emulsion. Use a caulking gun or pour the filler into small cracks, taking care not to get any on unaffected areas where it can stain. Smooth the filler using a trowel or putty knife, and let it dry according to the package directions.
Fill Larger Cracks
For larger cracks, use small, crushed gravel to fill the crack. Compact the gravel, then repair the crack with a cold process asphalt repair compound. Compact the compound, and repeat as necessary to achieve an even surface. Allow to dry according to product directions.
Seal the Asphalt with a Paving Company
Once the asphalt is repaired, consider having a paving company seal it for you. This provides additional protection to help reduce the water damage that often causes cracks to form.
Filling cracks is a relatively simple, but important, task. A paving company can help you with crack filling or any of the other tasks related to asphalt, from excavation in Calgary to sealing.
Economy Paving is your trusted Calgary paving project partner. Working with municipal, commercial and residential customers, we provide complete solutions for driveways & parking lots, roadways, infrastructure projects, and more. If you’re searching for reliable Calgary concrete contractors, call us at 403-278-7727 or email us at [email protected].
