I.Do asphalt cracks need to be filled before sealcoating?
Cracks can eventually appear in your asphalt parking lot over time. The major factors that often cause cracks include rapid temperature swings, drainage issues, and normal wear and tear on your parking lot. Staying proactive by scheduling parking lot crack-filling services is a great way to keep these damages to a minimum. An experienced contractor can easily perform preventive maintenance to avoid costly repairs while also improving the curb appeal of your property.
Why Do You Need to Fill Cracks Before Sealing Your Pavement?
Sealcoating asphalt is a key aspect of extending the lifespan of your parking lot. However, it’s important to schedule parking lot crack-filling services first before you sealcoat your pavement. Hiring a professional to fill the cracks in your pavement will prevent them from getting worse. On the other hand, not using crack filler before sealing the asphalt will allow the crack to get even bigger underneath the sealed surface.
Here is an overview of how a company specializing in maintenance for parking lots can easily fill cracks before sealcoating your pavement.
Clean the Parking Lot
The first step in performing parking lot crack-filling services is to make sure the pavement is clean and free from debris. Remaining proactive by cleaning your parking lot each week is always recommended.
Any weeds within the cracks will need to be removed ahead of time before applying a crack sealing material. The parking lot will need to dry completely before the cracks in the asphalt can be repaired.
Repair Pavement Cracks and Holes
The next step is to begin filling the cracks within the pavement once the parking lot is clean. A parking lot repair company will use crack filler to repair cracks that are less than 1/2 inch. However, cracks larger than 1/2 inch will need to be repaired with an asphalt patch. Depending on the damages, a contractor can use either cold-applied crack filling or heated material for faster set times.
Typically, an asphalt paving contractor will wait 24 to 48 hours for the patch to cure before applying sealcoating. It’s also important to keep traffic out of your parking lot during this time to ensure the patch forms a complete seal.
Sealcoating Your Parking Lot
Parking lot sealing plays a key role in giving your pavement a fresh appearance while protecting it against the elements. Sealcoating after parking lot crack-filling is the best way to maximize the lifespan of your pavement, and it’s a cost-effective investment.
A contractor will usually apply two coats of sealant, as this provides a much better finish than only using one thick coat. Sealcoating is typically recommended every three to five years. t is critical to schedule parking lot crack repair services more frequently to prevent any damages from worsening.
Benefits of Hiring Professionals for Repairing Your Parking Lot
Trying to perform effective pavement repairs on your own can be a time-consuming experience, and it’s easy to make mistakes. For example, a repaired crack may not last as long if you don’t have access to the right supplies and equipment. Choosing to hire parking lot maintenance professionals is an excellent way to save you a lot of time, and you will feel much better knowing the job will be done right.
An experienced paving contractor also understands the importance of repairing cracks in your parking lot before applying a sealant. Sealcoating services are essential to protecting your pavement against oil stains, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions. Scheduling these parking lot maintenance services is an excellent way to boost the curb appeal of your property while creating a safer environment for your employees and customers.
To Learn More About Our Parking Lot Crack-Filling Services, Please Contact ACPLM
ACPLM offers parking lot maintenance and repair services for businesses and property owners throughout the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas. Our team has many years of experience in the asphalt pavement industry. We can work on parking lots of all sizes, and we are happy to answer any of your questions. Our company also provides many other services besides parking lot maintenance, such as installing ADA ramps, repairing catch basins, installing new concrete installation, and much more.
Feel free to contact ACPLM to learn more about our crack-filling and pavement maintenance services!
