cracked asphalt road surface

A Little Asphalt Sealcoating Now Prevents Sun and Heat Damage This Summer

It’s Time to Schedule Asphalt Sealcoating with Kansas City’s Paving and Sealing Experts

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Kansas City looks forward to “sizzle & drizzle” this summer. Even if you’re not a believer in the Almanac’s forecast, there is a virus pandemic and “murder hornets” amongst us now. On top of sizzle, drizzle, a coronavirus and murder hornets, the last thing you need to worry about is your asphalt surfaces cracking. Now is the time to schedule asphalt sealing to protect your surfaces from their biggest threats, summer sun and heat.

Of course, the sun produces heat. That heat deteriorates binding compounds that are mixed with the asphalt. Deterioration leads to the asphalt drying out and cracks forming at the surface. Now that the asphalt sealcoating is crumbly and cracking, rain and water seep through. Once water is involved, deterioration accelerates, especially under the weight of traffic. Putting on a protective layer of asphalt sealcoating not only protects your surface now, but also avoids more extensive and expensive repairs in the future.

Your Asphalt is Under Siege

Your asphalt is under siege from sun, heat, rain, irrigation systems and run-off loaded with chemicals and petroleum. These things attack your asphalt, causing it to become brittle and crack. Once compromised, asphalt surfaces cannot withstand the daily wear and tear they once did when your asphalt sealcoating was newer. Without regular sealcoating, natural and man-made elements are causing damage that significantly shortens your asphalt surface’s lifespan.

What Types of Cracks Does Asphalt Sealcoating Help Prevent or Repair?

Alligator/Fatigue Cracks

Harsh summer and winter weather conditions, deficient foundational materials and/or a poor drainage system are common culprits that cause alligator cracks (also called fatigue cracking). You can tell an alligator crack by its dry, fractured appearance. Alligator cracks often indicate underlying erosion, so are considered serious. Immediate repair is usually necessary, but asphalt sealcoating, if done in time, could provide sufficient enough protection to extend the surface’s life.

Block Cracks

You can identify block cracks by their shape, which makes the asphalt surface look like it’s broken into rectangles. Large areas of asphalt, as well as those with little traffic are vulnerable to block cracks. Whether due to issues with the original aggregate, the sun and heat drying it out over time, cold temperatures or a combination thereof, asphalt sealing can easily fix block cracks.

Edge Cracks

Edge cracks begin on an edge of your asphalt surface and work their way toward the middle. Asphalt sealcoating can repair this damage and should be done sooner rather than later since they pose a threat to vehicles.

Transverse Cracks

Transverse cracks run in the opposite direction of longitudinal cracks and are caused by cold temps and heavy traffic. To prevent and protect the surface, asphalt sealcoating on a regular basis is essential.

Reflective Cracks

Reflective cracks reflect a more serious sub-surface problem. These cracks should be filled prior to asphalt sealcoating.

Slippage Cracks

Slippage cracks are the seed of potholes, especially in high-volume traffic areas. Depending on the amount of damage, the solution involves a partial or full-depth patch that is followed by asphalt sealcoating.

Asphalt Sealcoating is Like a Big Shade Tree Over Your Surfaces

Asphalt sealcoating acts like a big shade tree that protects surfaces from sun, heat and water. Having this level of protection slows down the natural oxidization process that ages asphalt. Consistently investing in sealcoating your asphalt surfaces extends is lifespan, not to mention just gives it a better appearance.

Don’t Let Summer Create Expensive Repairs This Fall

Kansas City summers, known for sizzle and drizzle, can weaken asphalt to the point where it cannot stand up to the coming fall and winter’s elements. Schedule asphalt sealcoating now to give your asphalt a fighting chance against Midwest weather and traffic. McConnell & Associates can come out for an assessment, identify types of cracks, repair them and protect the work with sealcoating. Contact us with any questions or schedule an estimate for your upcoming project.

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