Pavement Maintenance
Sealcoating
The benefits of professional sealcoating are numerous. Environmental elements like the sun, wind, and water can impose a damaging effect on asphalt surfaces. As the asphalt hardens or oxidizes, it will become more inflexible, making it susceptible to cracks as it is unable to bend and flex with changing weather and climate conditions. A True North professional sealcoat application creates a barrier between the asphalt and the elements, thus slowing down the oxidation process, and prolonging the life of the asphalt during freeze and thaw cycles.
Benefits of Seal Coating:
- Sealcoating creates more surface friction and added stability to motorists and foot traffic.
- Long term cost savings. Pennies per square foot for preventative sealcoating versus dollars to repair or replace asphalt.
- Prolong the life of asphalt surface between climate changes (freeze and thaw cycles)
- Preventative maintenance cost reduction
- Sealcoating leaves a smooth and clean finishing, reducing time spent cleaning.
- Aesthetic appeal of sealcoating creates an attractive black surface which is ideal for painting lines or other markers.
- Seal Coating reduces the depth to which oil and/or gas can penetrate the
asphalt.
Crack Filling
One of the most important reasons for repairing your asphalt surface is to prevent vegetation from growing within the asphalt. Vegetation, if left unchecked, can impose extensive long term maintenance costs to the customer. Plants and vegetation left to grow will add moisture under the asphalt surface. As the root system continues to grow and gain in size, asphalt can actually be pushed up, resulting in splitting, cracks and more damage. If water is allowed to penetrate and accumulate under the surface, the resulting end effect is a pothole. During a typical Midwest winter we experience 20-30 freeze/thaw cycles. When cracks go unfilled, each freeze/thaw cycle is another opportunity for pavement deterioration.
True North Asphalt has two processes for filling cracks. Both can be used effectively to prevent cracks from spreading and adding longevity to your paved surface. Each process will be thoroughly explained during your initial job walk-through to decide which option best fits your needs and budget.
Over-banding
This process begins by using high pressure air to remove all the vegetation and loose debris from existing cracks. The crack is then filled with a DOT approved hot rubber crack fill using the banding method. This process not only fills the existing crack but creates an overlay to prevent that crack from opening during a freeze/thaw cycle.
Routing
Routing begins by using a routing machine to cut a ½” groove along the existing crack. This gives the hot rubber more surface to adhere to, extending the life of the repair. After routing, the process follows the same steps as over-banding: high pressure air cleaning and then filling with hot rubber using the banding method.
When to Seek a Professional
- A simple crack is relatively easy to correct and occurs naturally as the ground moves and as asphalt ages.
- A straight line or diagonal crack can be easily filled.
- Settling cracks usually start to appear within 1-4 years after new asphalt is installed.
If your pavement falls in that timeline, you may need to start a preventive maintenance program.
For a no-commitment free consultation, contact us today.
