When it comes to extending the life of your asphalt pavement, few maintenance services are as cost-effective and impactful as crack sealing. This process addresses one of the most common (and most damaging) issues in asphalt: cracks. By sealing cracks early, you can prevent small problems from becoming major repairs. However, like any maintenance method, it’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations before deciding if it’s the right solution for your property.

What Is Hot Rubberized Crack Seal?

Hot rubberized crack sealing involves heating a specialized rubber material and applying it directly into cracks in the asphalt. Once cooled, the rubber remains flexible, allowing it to expand and contract with temperature changes while keeping out water and debris. Crack sealing is effective for cracks ranging from ¼” to 1” wide.

The Benefits

1. Prevents Water Damage

   Water is asphalt’s biggest enemy. Once it seeps through cracks, it can erode the base layer, leading to potholes and structural failure. Crack seal forms a waterproof barrier that prevents water intrusion and helps preserve the pavement’s integrity.

   
   

2. Extends Pavement Life
   By sealing cracks early, you stop them from spreading. This proactive maintenance can add years to the lifespan of your pavement and delay costly resurfacing or removal and replacement.

   
   

3. Cost-Effective Maintenance
   Compared to major repairs, crack sealing is a relatively low-cost service that delivers a strong return on investment. It’s one of the most efficient ways to maintain your asphalt and protect your initial asphalt investment.

   
   

4. Flexible and Durable
   Crack seal stays flexible year-round. It expands and contracts with the pavement as temperatures change, reducing the chance of the seal cracking or breaking loose.

   
   

5. Ideal for Both Parking Lots and Roadways
   Hot rubberized crack sealing works well on a variety of paved surfaces, from commercial parking lots to private roads and HOAs, making it a versatile maintenance option.

The Limitations

1. Not a Cosmetic Repair
   Crack sealing is a functional fix, not an aesthetic one. While it helps prevent further damage, the sealed cracks will still be visible underneath a seal coat.

   
   

2. Works Best on Smaller Cracks
   Crack seal is designed for cracks ranging from ¼” to 1” wide. Larger cracks or alligatored areas may require more extensive repairs, such as patching or overlaying.

   
   

3. Weather-Dependent Application
   Because the sealant must adhere properly, the process requires dry conditions and moderate temperatures. That means it’s usually performed during the warmer, drier months.

   
   

4. Not a Permanent Solution
   While it greatly slows down deterioration, no crack sealing product lasts forever. Pavement surfaces exposed to heavy traffic or severe weather will need periodic re-application as part of a long-term maintenance plan.

Final Thoughts

Crack sealing is one of the smartest, most cost-effective steps you can take to protect your asphalt investment. It stops water penetration, slows deterioration, and extends pavement life for a fraction of the cost of major repairs. However, it’s most effective when applied at the right time and as part of a comprehensive pavement maintenance plan that includes regular inspections, seal coating, and timely repairs.