Top 5 Crack Sealing Mistakes Contractors Make
Crack sealing is one of the most cost-effective pavement maintenance techniques available, but it's often done incorrectly — leading to premature failure and unhappy clients. Here are the five most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping crack routing. Routing creates a reservoir for the sealant and improves adhesion dramatically. Skipping this step is the single biggest cause of crack seal failure. Always rout cracks to a minimum 3/4 inch depth before sealing.
- Sealing wet cracks. Moisture is the enemy of adhesion. Cracks must be completely dry before sealant is applied. Use a heat lance or compressed air to dry and clean cracks before filling.
- Overfilling cracks. Flush-fill is the correct application — sealant should be level with the pavement surface. Overfilling creates a raised bead that collects water and peels under traffic.
- Using the wrong product. Hot pour rubberized sealant is recommended for cracks wider than 1/4 inch. Cold pour is fine for hairline and minor cracks but won't hold up in wide cracks under heavy traffic.
- Working in the wrong temperature. Most sealants require ambient and surface temperatures above 50°F. Working in cold conditions leads to poor adhesion and premature failure.
