The cool weather of fall and winter can come on suddenly. In addition to wear and tear, your asphalt lot must endure intense temperature changes. The weather and elements can eventually cause your pavement to crack and wear down. One small crack may not seem like that big of a problem, but the after-effects can be quite significant. A single crack in your asphalt can allow water to penetrate to the foundation and expedite deterioration. At Blackjack Paving, we have had to repave plenty of lots that could have been saved if crackfill had been used early on. We want to help you maximize your investment in your asphalt lot. Being prepared for the constant freeze and thaw cycle of winter can help you safeguard your lot. Crackfill is one of these proactive measures.
Freeze and Thaw Cycles
Asphalt is flexible throughout the spring, summer, and fall, which helps prevent cracking. During the winter, the temperature drops much lower, and this extreme can cause your asphalt to become brittle and prone to cracking. Although you may not be able to fully counteract the strain of the freeze and thaw cycle, you can take steps to make damage less likely. First off, if your pavement is already cracked, water and snow can seep into the pavement. As the temperature drops, the water will freeze and expand. Your parking lot will sustain serious damage from the inside out when the freeze and thaw cycle causes the existing cracks to expand. Your existing cracks will worsen with every single temperature drop as the water will freeze and expand again. This cycle is why one tiny crack matters. You can start with a small crack, but it will cause catastrophic damage to your parking lot when winter rolls around.
The Power of Crackfill
The crack in your lot is cleaned and cleared away of any debris. A hot rubberized sealant is added to the crack, leveled off, and coated, creating a smooth and waterproof surface again. Your lot will be better prepared to endure the harsh freeze and thaw cycles of winter. Also, your lot will look more presentable and well-kept. Consider crackfill a part of your routine parking lot maintenance and upkeep. You should utilize crackfilling as soon as you spot a crack in your parking lot. At the very least, evaluate your parking lot annually before the winter season to ensure that your lot is in good repair.
How Crackfill Saves Your Cash
Crackfill is an incredibly affordable solution to safeguard your lot. When you repair cracks when they are small, the process is easy and inexpensive. The cost of crackfill is determined by the size of the crack. The smaller the better! Instead of waiting for a crack to become larger or develop into a pothole, address the issue right away. Using crackfill can prevent you from having catastrophic issues when the freeze and thaw cycles start. Taking this proactive step will save you money and significant hassles. Not only are cracks dangerous during the freezing weather, but they can also be a trip hazard year-round. Protect your business from litigation by keeping your parking lot in good repair.
One crack could lead to the premature deterioration of your lot. Instead of paying for a costly repaving due to premature asphalt failure, fill in your cracks now. Do not wait until it is too late! Give Blackjack Paving a call today!
