What & Why

Cracks in pavements allows moisture to penetrate the surface which causes permanent material failure. Failure to seal cracks results in further cracking, potholes and eventually a major pavement breakdown, leading to unnecessary expensive repairs.

To minimise the water infiltrating the pavement base, crack sealing with a hot polymer/rubberised bitumen sealant is required, preventing future pavement problems.

Crack sealing is an extremely economical way of maintaining pavements. It is very cheap and effective when compared to undetaking other more extensive works such as resurfacing and reconstructing.

Crack sealing is a practical and cost effective measure and is part of any good pavement management program for all roads.

Failed Areas & Potholes

Failed areas where crocodile cracking has occurred are generally caused by insufficient pavement thickness, inadequate base preparation or poor drainage. Crocodile cracking also occurs where small cracks have been neglected and not sealed.

Water can then penetrate further into the base soil and eventually the pavement will break completely resulting in potholes.

Early intervention is vital in prolonging the life of pavements. Once you can see pavement failure on the surface, the rate of deterioration accelerates.

Crack sealing is a key element in early intervention as it slows the deterioration process and can significantly add to the life of a pavement, maximizing your asphalt investment.

A Maintenance Program will
save you Millions

• An Average Council has over $300m worth of assets in roads
  
  
• A systematic maintenance program is essential to extend the life of pavements
  
  
• Early maintenance intervention is vital
  
  
• Crack sealing is a key element in slowing down the deterioration process
  
  
• Extending the life of pavements can save you millions in the long term

Causes of Asphalt & Concrete Failure:

• Water penetration
• Movement of the pavement
• Oxidation of the binder
• Inadequate drainage
• Upward reflection of underlying pavement
• Overloading of vehicles and continued traffic use
• Depth of pavement

Overlays

When overlaying existing asphalt, it is vitally important to crack seal prior to works to prevent reflective cracking. If new asphalt is laid on failed pavement, the cracks in the base will undermine the new overlay and produce new cracks.

Patches

You want asphalt repairs to be done with the right techniques to ensure they last as long as possible. However, even with the right techniques used, often patches fail as they have not bonded with the existing pavement and water and debris enter the surface.

Crack sealing around the edge of new patches forms a waterproof bond and increases the longevity of the repairs.