Crack Seals

Crack seal products are used to fill individual pavement cracks to prevent entry of water or other non-compressible substances such as sand, dirt, rocks or weeds. Crack sealant is typically used on early stage longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, reflection cracks and block cracks. Fatigue cracks are most often too extensive to warrant filling with crack sealer; they usually require an area treatment such as a patch or reconstruction. Crack filler material is typically some form of rubberized asphalt or sand slurry.

Crack sealing on I-37 near San Antonio, TX to repair top-down cracks. Figure 1: Crack sealing on I-37 near San Antonio, TX to repair top-down cracks. Crack sealing on western Oregon road to repair transverse cracks. Figure 2: Crack sealing on western Oregon road to repair transverse cracks. Crack sealing on I-37 near San Antonio, TX to repair top-down cracks. Figure 3: Crack sealing on I-37 near San Antonio, TX to repair top-down cracks.

Purpose

Preventive maintenance. Crack filling to prevent entry of water or other non-compressible substances into the pavement.

Materials

Heated liquid asphalt (often some form of rubberized asphalt).

Mix Design

Various, including proprietary methods.

Other Info

  • Before applying crack sealant, cracks need to be routed out and cleaned.
  • Crack sealing is best done in moderate temperatures (spring or fall) and is most effective if performed immediately after cracks develop.
  • Reported average performance life ranges from about 3 – 8 years.