CRACKFILL IS NOT  REPAIR


By Jeremy Taylor


A common misconception regarding crackfill is that it will repair the crack and the crack will magically go away; Crackfill will not make the cracks go away.


C


rackfill is the first line of de- fense linear cracking in the asphalt; however, to be clear crackfill is not crack repair.


Factors that a community association board of directors should consider in deciding between hot rubberized crackfill and cold pour emulsified crackfill include:


1 Its purpose is to fill the crack


with a hot rubber or cold pour emulsi- fied material which is designed to pre- vent future water intrusion within the cracks, which will ultimately compro- mise the subgrade and lead to prema- ture structural failures (potholes, alliga- toring, rutting) throughout the asphalt in the area of the cracks.


Tere are two different types of crackfill that are commonly used for street main- tenance. First is hot rubberized crackfill, is applied at 375 degrees with a fire kettle machine and is flexible with cracks that experience expansion and contraction due to weather changes. Te second is cold pour emulsified crackfill, is applied with a rubber squeegee, and while it fills the crack it is not as flexible and once the crack moves the fill will have a harder time moving with the crack. For either application, the surface must be dry and free from all loose material, dirt and dust prior to installation.


10 | March / April 2018


Are we concerned with aesthetics?


        material that will always visu- ally appear on the surface of the asphalt, especially after the seal coat begins to age and fade.


2 What is our long-term vi-


sion in regard to the asphalt? Are we due for a major project  seal coating and restriping for the foreseeable future?


If a major project (e.g. full site overlay or remove and replace) is forthcoming within the next 3-5 years the board may consid-  to buy some time with the as-  will not be an eyesore after the major project.


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