Crack Sealing Vs. Crack Filling: Helping You Choose

If your driveway looks a little like the moon’s surface, you’re dealing with cracks. And if you’re trying to choose between crack sealing and crack filling, 309 Paving Services can help you choose the best option. If you need asphalt paving services near Bloomington, they can help you with that too.

Both crack filling and sealing can help prevent water seepage and extend the life of your driveway, but they vary in terms of cost, the time required, and results. In this post, we want to help clear up the confusion and help you choose the best option for your pavement.

What is Crack Sealing?

Crack sealing is when hot tar is applied to the cracks in your driveway. This filling material then cools and hardens, creating a seal that will prevent water from seeping through. Crack sealing is much more expensive than crack filling, but it typically lasts longer and provides a better overall seal.

What is Crack Filling?

Crack filling is a process in which cold tar is applied to the cracks in your driveway. This filling material then hardens, creating a seal that will prevent water from seeping through. Crack filling is cheaper than crack sealing, but it does not typically last as long and does not provide as good an overall seal.

Crack Sealing vs. Crack Filling:

Affordability

Crack sealing is usually the more affordable option, requiring less time and materials. Crack filling is usually more expensive, requiring more time and materials. However, the repair cost will vary depending on the size and severity of the cracks. Contact 309 Paving Services today for an estimate.

Time Required

Crack sealing can be done in one day, and you can typically expect the seal to last for three to five years. Crack filling takes a little longer, as the cracks need to be cleaned out before you can fill them. But once the cracks are filled, they should last for at least seven years.

Results

Crack sealing will typically result in a smoother finish, as the sealant will fill in any irregularities in the surface of the crack. Crack filling, on the other hand, will result in a slightly raised surface, as the filler will settle into the crack. But both methods will help to prevent water and debris from entering the crack and causing further damage.

What’s the Best Way to Repair a Crack: Sealing or Crack Repair?

The best way to repair a crack will depend on the size of the crack and the type of surface it is on. For example, cracks in concrete can be repaired with either Crack Sealing or Crack Filling, but it would be best if you fill asphalt cracks. And while both methods can extend the life of your pavement, Crack Sealing is generally considered more preventative. Despite that, Crack Filling is a more reactive measure.

Final Verdict:

So, what’s the verdict? Crack sealing or crack filling for asphalt pavement? The answer is: it depends. If you have a lot of small cracks, fill them with a sealant. Should there be fewer but bigger cracks, use filler to patch them up. 

And if you want the most long-lasting solution, combine the two methods! 309 Paving Services can help you choose the correct method for your needs and provide a free estimate to get started on fixing those pesky pavement problems. Have questions about which method is best for your driveway or parking lot? Contact us today!

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