Boost Your Property’s Safety and Curb Appeal with Expert Asphalt Crack Filling

As a property manager in Ottawa, you know that it’s vital to maintain your pavement to keep your parking lot a safe and appealing place. Without maintenance, asphalt can develop unsightly cracks, which can over time progress into dangerous potholes. Let’s take a look at the most common types of asphalt cracking and what you can do about them.

Alligator Cracking

Alligator cracking looks a bit like reptile scales. Cracks develop that split the pavement into asymmetrical polygons, which is unsightly and also compromises the integrity of the asphalt.

The most common cause of alligator cracking is the base of the asphalt being poorly compacted during installation. It’s important to fix the damaged sections to improve the appearance and function of the pavement. Alligator cracking gets worse over time, especially if the pavement is regularly exposed to heavy traffic.

Block Cracking

Block cracking shows up as large cracks that split the pavement into blocks. It’s caused by the asphalt contracting due to changes in ambient temperature.

Once cracks have formed, it’s easy for water to get into the cracks and cause further damage. Without treatment, block cracking can get worse and worse over time, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Edge Cracking

Edge cracking involves cracks forming along the edges of the pavement. It shows up as cracks that lie parallel to the pavement edge. It’s caused by erosion of the foundation layer. This usually begins at the edges of the pavement.

Longitudinal Cracking

Longitudinal cracking consists of linear cracks that run parallel to the road’s direction. They can be of various lengths and may be deep or shallow. It can be caused by poor installation technique, exacerbated by heavy traffic over time.

Asphalt Crack Filling Methods in Ottawa

Before filling cracks in pavement, it’s important to clean the surface. This involves using compressed air to remove any dust, debris or dirt. Next, a concentrated flame burns away any unwanted vegetation and ensures the surface is completely dry, which is important for the crack filling process to work well.

New crack filling material is then applied to create an edge-to-edge bond with the existing asphalt. Bonding between the new and old materials forms a watertight seal, which prevents water from seeping into the asphalt and causing cracks to deepen and widen.

The asphalt crack filling process takes around 6-8 hours. However, if you are in a rush, it’s possible to speed up the cooling of the filling site to help it be ready sooner.

Benefits of Asphalt Crack Filling for your Ottawa business

There are many reasons to invest in asphalt crack filling for your Ottawa business.

Keep Customers and Employees Safe

Cracks in pavement can pose trip hazards, especially if they develop into potholes, leading to trips and falls which could create potential liability issues for your business. Filling asphalt cracks helps to keep everyone safe.

Prevent Further Damage

It’s common for asphalt cracks to get much worse if you do not get them filled quickly. Ottawa’s sudden rain showers can drive water into the cracks, which in winter can freeze, expand and force the crack open further. This leads to cracks getting bigger and eventually developing into potholes. The cost of repairs increases as the damage gets worse, so it’s best to act quickly.

Increase Business Appeal

Customers prefer to visit businesses that appear to be well maintained. Getting rid of cracks in your parking lot can create a good first impression for your Ottawa property. In turn, this can lead to increased foot traffic and therefore increased sales for your business.

Tackling Cracks in Ottawa Pavements With Asphalt Crack Filling From EverLine Coatings

If your Ottawa parking lot is affected by longitudinal, alligator, block or edge cracking, then EverLine Coatings can help. Get in touch today for information about our asphalt crack filling service!