Pro Steps In Preparing Asphalt Paving Cracks For Repairs
Regardless of how well your concrete pavement is installed, it's still susceptible to cracks. But on the first sign of cracks on your pavement, ensure that you call your paving contractor for immediate repairs. The downside of delaying repairs is that the cracks will grow with time, leading to costlier repairs. That's why timely crack filling is vital. Like most maintenance jobs, effective asphalt crack repair needs careful preparation. Learn the key steps your paving contractor will take when repairing your crack.
They'll Clear Any Debris in the Cracks
At the beginning of the project, the contractor will first remove the dirt build-up in the cracks. If your driveway hasn't been attended to in a long time, vegetation growth might be present in the cracks. So, the professional will eliminate the vegetation and clean out the crack. Usually, they blow compressed air in a crack by making slow, repeated passes along the channel. In case of extensive accumulation of debris or clay, they'll use a motorized wire brush to break up the debris, particularly those containing oil spits. Once this is done, the contractor will blow the area with the air compressor.
They'll Dry the Crack Channel
Once the cleaning process is over, your paving contractor needs to dry the channel. This step is crucial because moisture in the channels might prevent the proper adhesion of the sealant on the crack walls. Additionally, it increases the chances of cracks forming soon after the repairs. Moisture in cracks can result from undertaking crack treatment at night. Besides, you could encounter this problem if you reside in an area that experiences a moist climate. Most paving contractors prefer a hot air treatment to eliminate moisture from the crack channel.
They'll Measure and Seal the Crack
To ensure that your pavement crack is properly sealed, your contractor must measure them. In that regard, they'll start by taking the width measurement. Doing this enables them to determine the type of sealer required for the job. Furthermore, the contractor will need to measure the depth of the cracks to assess the need for additional preparation. For example, if a crack is too deep, they'll need to fill it with sand to a specific level before sealing. They'll also take measurements of the length as this will help them know the quantity of fill and the supplies to buy.
While asphalt paving is sturdy, it will develop cracks at some point. When this occurs, seek the services of a paving contractor promptly to prevent costly damage.