As with most materials, asphalt can wear down. Expansion from changes in weather and from wear and tear can cause cracks and splits to appear in your asphalt. Having these cracks sealed is important to ensure you are effectively maintaining your investment.
If you own an asphalt parking lot or driveway on your property, it is wise to consider getting annual maintenance to fill any cracks and upkeep the quality of your asphalt. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your pavement and save you money from costly replacements.
Here’s what you need to know about asphalt repair services and where you can get asphalt crack sealing in Toronto.
What Is the Purpose of Crack Sealing?
Take a walk anywhere around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and you will eventually notice some cracks in the asphalt. But why is this a problem? When it comes to your property, it’s critical to maintain your asphalt with crack filling. Water can leak into these spaces, causing the asphalt base to weaken. Over time, this can impact the structural integrity of the asphalt.
By maintaining your pavement with asphalt crack sealing you are lengthening its lifespan.
How Are Cracks Filled?
There are a few different ways professionals will fill the cracks in your asphalt. It depends on the kind of crack you are dealing with; size and depth impacts the method of pavement repair. Here are some of the options available:
- Hot asphalt: For cracks larger than a width of one inch, the pavement contractor will most likely choose this option. They will first clean out the crack to remove any debris or dirt and fill the crack with a fine asphalt mix. Then, they will compress it with a vibratory plate to remove any air pockets and ensure a complete seal.
- Hot rubberized crack filler: This type of fill tends to adhere better to asphalt and is often the preferred option to fill small cracks compared to hot asphalt.
It’s important to know that crack sealing is temporary. It will improve the durability and longevity of your asphalt, but it will need to be maintained. Asphalt expands and breaks down over time, so ensuring that your pavement is maintained on a regular basis will protect your investment.
Why It Is Important to Seal Cracks
Prevents Water Damage
Adding a proper seal to the cracks in your asphalt helps to prevent water damage. When water enters through the cracks, it can destroy the pavement base and lead to costly repairs or complete asphalt replacement. Using a crack sealant is vital to preventing your asphalt from further damage.
Prevents Moisture
Moisture in any foundation isn’t good. It can destroy the base of your pavement and cause more serious damage. Crack sealing has weatherproofing agents to keep water out of those gaps, so that moisture does not impact the subgrade.
Extends the Lifespan of Your Pavement
One of the common causes of cracks is the penetration of strong UV rays that weaken the top layer, similarly to the way it can cause your skin to age prematurely. Sealing cracks prevent erosion, water penetration, and oxidation, which makes the pavement surface more flexible. Choosing regular asphalt maintenance services is far more affordable and cost-effective than waiting until it is completely damaged and seeking a replacement.
Enhances Appearance
As a residential or commercial property owner that cares about the appearance of your asphalt, cracks can make your entire landscape look unattractive. Applying a sealcoat through a professional company can help you hide small cracks, rough spots, and patches. Additionally, the smooth, deep, and rich black finish transforms the aesthetics of your property.
Minimizes Oxidation
When cracks are left untreated, water and debris that enters can jeopardize the integrity of the structure, leading to pavement failure. If left untreated for too long, it will result in the formation of larger potholes, sinkholes, and fatigue cracking. Maintaining crack sealing can reduce oxidation by as much as 75%.
Saves on Repair Costs
As mentioned before, you can save on major repair costs by maintaining your investment. Repair costs after neglecting pavement maintenance can rack up to thousands of dollars, which costs far more than it would to simply fill the cracks when they first appear.
Prevents Future Damages
If you want to prevent future unforeseeable damages and prolong the lifespan of your pavement, asphalt crack sealing is the solution. Routine checkups and maintenance go a long way in helping you affordably handle minor damages and avoid shelling out thousands of dollars to replace large areas.
Contact Ivy Property Services Inc. for Residential and Commercial Asphalt Maintenance
Ivy Property Services Inc. is your one-stop-shop for all things asphalt-related. We specialize in parking lot and asphalt repair services, including asphalt paving for lots and driveways, asphalt routing, crack sealing, and line painting. We offer customized solutions for residential and private commercial customers in and around the GTA and Southern Ontario. With fast turnaround times, exceptional customer service, and great estimates, we are your first choice for asphalt paving.
Contact us at (416) 818-0970 for a free quote and consultation! We are always available at info@ivypropertyservices.com and are ready to respond to all client inquiries.
