Asphalt Repair Albany

Repairing asphalt is not to complex but which method you choose to use will make a difference between a job that last years and a job that won’t last twelve months.
There are two different methods to fill in cracks that are common in asphalt that has not been properly sealed. A cold pour sealant will last a year or less while a hot pour sealant will have a greatly longer life span of three to seven years. Which method you choose to use will depend on a variety of factors including where you are pouring and your budget. A cold pour method works if you are on a tight budget and don’t have access to electricity in the area to be poured to do the pour. A hot pour will last longer, cost more and cure faster.
Which ever method you choose the benefits will be obvious. Sealing cracks will prevent further damage caused by water penetrating and destroying the structural integrity of the asphalt. It will also help to prevent weeds from growing in the cracks by creating a barrier and increases the life span of the asphalt itself.
Before you can do any pour- hot or cold you will need to do some prep work to get the area clean. To get rid of dirt and weeds the area can be swept with a broom or a sweeper or pressure washed. You may have to use a wire brush to get any rock chunks out of the more stubborn cracks to make sure your sealant can properly do its job.
Fill cracks level to the surface with your sealant. For pot holes you will have to use a trowel to spread the sealant level to the surface and fill in the hole. If you have a pot hole that is particularly deep fill the hole with gravel four inches from the top and then add the sealant to this newly created level to help give the sealant a base to sit on.
Remember sealants have to cure 24 hours before any traffic goes on them so block off the area to protect it. If the asphalt is a parking lot or other large area you can use that down time to repaint parking lot lines.
After the cold or hot pour has cured you should put a sealant coat over it all to avoid future damage. A sealant can be applied anywhere from two to five days after the repair job for best results.