Driveway Repair | Everything You Need to Know About Driveway Repair Crack Fillers
Asphalt Crack Fillers
Many people make the mistake of thinking that asphalt and concrete are the same things; they are not. Although both materials are used to cover and seal roads and driveways, asphalt and concrete are distinctly different. Asphalt is not a
naturally occurring material, it is made through the process of breaking down rock and combining the sand particles into a liquid. Asphalt is often used as the primary material for driveways because of its durability, but it does have its drawbacks.
Asphalt is porous and may be damaged by the elements. Over time, cracks will begin to form in the asphalt due to long-term weathering and road salt exposure. This can cause unsightly cracks in your asphalt driveway that resemble ice or road salt. If these cracks grow, you may have to repair them, most frequently using a crack filler product with a crack filler machine. Unfortunately, this type of product detail is difficult to find online; therefore, you might want to consider conducting some basic online research prior to deciding on which product to purchase. Better yet, you may decide to have a professional company like A-Hole Paving repair the cracks for you.
As you research, you’ll come across many products that claim to be the best driveway crack filler on the market today. While these formulas might work well for some applications, you’ll want to take the time to do further research on a few of these products. Some of the better brands are formulated using advanced formulas that contain clay substance or a unique ingredient called ionic silver. Both ingredients will provide the crack filler you need without harming the appearance of your driveway.
One of the main differences between an effective asphalt driveway filler and an ineffective one is the drying time. A good formula will have an optimal drying time; this means it will take the shortest amount of time to completely cure. If a filler doesn’t have the optimal drying time, you may find yourself having to scrape up the old concrete or even sand down the driveway prior to applying the new compound. The ideal formula you should look for will have a fast-drying time so you can apply it quickly and efficiently.
Another key ingredient in an effective asphalt driveway crack filler is a material known as Latex-ite Pli-Stix. Although a synthetic compound, it is recommended for many applications because of its compatibility with water. It’s even been found to be somewhat helpful in sealing fire hydrants. Some of the best crack fillers available have Latex-ite crack filler as an active ingredient, including many of the leading brands such as Armor-All and Lowes. Unfortunately, while it may work adequately for some of the crack fillers, this ingredient is the weak point in most formulas.
To truly cure asphalt driveway cracks, you’ll need to use a product that has a high smoke point and uses a blowtorch for application. To properly apply latex-ite Pli-stix crack filler, it needs to be applied using a cone or globular material that reduces smoke emitted during application. Applying it without a heat source can lead to rapid cracking, causing the mixture to harden at the edges and become useless. However, with a blowtorch, you can apply the filler rope as much as you need to ensure that it penetrates and eliminates all cracks.
Concrete Crack Fillers
Concrete crack filler is a synthetic, polymer-based product specifically designed to fill and secure cracks in concrete to avoid collapse. Cracks in concrete are caused by wear and tear, uneven wear and tear due to weathering, and other environmental factors like heavy vehicle traffic, oil or other chemicals on the roads, and tree roots, among other things. With some careful planning, you can make cracks in your concrete smaller, much less noticeable, and far less expensive to repair. Concrete crack filler is specially formulated to fill in small cracks that appear on straight and curved lines, as well as those that form in the corners, arches, or overhang.
The main advantage of the concrete crack filler is its versatility: it can be used on horizontal surfaces as well as curved and angled surfaces. In addition to filling in small and large cracks, this substance is also useful for repairing hollow metal pipes and for patching dents and depressions in concrete walls and floors. If you want to use this product for repair work, you should follow the directions for application carefully. Unlike other adhesives, epoxy cannot be applied to all kinds of concrete. The substance needs to be mixed with an appropriate amount of water. Usually, the water mixture is very thick – about 40 percent – and it must be applied in thin layers to achieve an even application because too thick a layer can cause a layer of hardening on the surface.
Concrete crack filler comes in various forms, depending on the size and texture of the concrete cracks to be filled. If you have a large crack, you can get a pre-mixed filler in sheets or in kits that include everything you need for the job. If you have a small hole or dent, you can apply the compound in strips, using a rolling tool to make the strips as thin as possible and to keep them from sticking together. You can use a brush or a roller to apply the product, or even just tap the product onto the problem area until it becomes dry.
If you would like to have your driveway repair done by a professional and courteous team with all the equipment and knowledge to get the job done quickly and at a reasonable cost, please call A-Hole Paving today for a quote. We proudly serve the greater Nashville area and all central Tennessee.
Phone: 615-490-9223
