What Causes Cracks in Asphalt:

Asphalt cracking is caused primarily by the effects of the sun and moisture. The sun oxidizes asphalt cement, causing shrinkage and creating separations which leads to cracks. Moisture is then able to reach the pavement's subsurface and soften it. Surface traffic soon begins to deteriorate the pavement around the crack, creating a larger problem, the dreaded pothole.
Proper attention to cracks will prevent the problems from spreading and double the life of the pavement. Treating the problem while it is still small will pay big dividends later by delaying costly resurfacing.

Benefits of Crack Sealing:

• Protects the Base/Subbase
  Effective cracksealing keeps water from entering and weakening these areas. This weakness can result in loss of structural support, which in turn can result in additional cracking or faulting.
   

• Preserves the Pavement Adjacent to the Cracks
  Cracks that are properly cleaned firmly adhere to the sides year-round, during times of expansion and contraction.  Without this material the adjacent pavement would have increased exposure to the elements, resulting in increased oxidation of the binder, hardening, and secondary cracking along the main crack.
   

• Eliminates the Damaging Effects of Incompressibles Like Sand, Stone, and Dirt
  When sand, stone, and dirt get into the crack, they can restrict crack closure during warm weather. Also, they can cause compressive stresses at the crack faces that result in spalling and loosening of the asphalt concrete.
   

• Extends Pavement Life and Cost-Effectiveness
  By sealing cracks, the contractor or agency exerts some control over base and subbase conditions, pavement interference, and crack growth, thereby extending the pavement's life.