Asphalt Parking Lot
If you have a crack in your asphalt parking lot, you need to repair it as soon as possible. This is essential for your safety, because a crack can cause water to infiltrate and damage your foundation. Cracks that are left unrepaired can cause even larger problems and can be extremely expensive to repair.
The first step in parking lot repair a crack is sealing it. Sealing a crack will stop water from entering and will prevent it from becoming a pothole. It can also help prevent alligator cracking. In cold weather, the water in a crack will turn into ice, which will break up the asphalt and destabilize it. Also, the water will expand as it freezes, causing more damage to the pavement.
When sealing a crack, it is important to use hot rubberized crack sealant. Using a rubberized product will keep the water from entering the parking lot. You can choose from a variety of products, which will suit the type of crack you have. There are also products designed specifically for potholes.
How to Repair Cracks in an Asphalt Parking Lot
Another way to seal a crack is to use a bottle filler. This is a product that has a nipple on the top that can be used to fill the crack. This product has a self-leveling quality, so it won’t overfill the crack. It can be used to repair small, thin cracks as well as large, deep cracks.
Another method to repair a crack is to use an asphalt cold patch. These can be used to fill potholes or to seal small cracks. However, they should not be used for more than four to six weeks.
For larger cracks, you can use an asphalt roller or a vibrating plate compactor. Depending on the size of your crack, you may need to use a second coat of patch product.
The next step to take is to smooth out the crack walls. Do this by removing debris and dirt. Rubber gloves can be helpful. A blower or broom can be used to sweep away loose particles. To finish the job, you can apply a fresh coat of sealcoat to the surface.
Before you start, make sure to clean the entire parking lot. Debris and dirt can soften the base. Ruts and depressions can also interfere with proper drainage. Parking lots should be professionally graded to allow for proper drainage. Make sure that any drains are clear of debris before sealing your lot.
Whether you are using a professional or trying to do the work yourself, you will need to make sure that you use the right equipment. Using the wrong tools can cause further damage.
You should always be careful when working with oil or pressure washers. Both can damage the surface and will lead to more stains. Using a spray-injection patching machine is a more practical solution for larger sites.
For smaller, narrower cracks, a portable crack filling machine can be used. This machine can be bought at most home improvement stores. Alternatively, you can use a gas-powered pavement saw.
