Prompt asphalt crack repair in Fort Worth is vital for homeowners, as cracks, chips, potholes and other blemishes along the surface of asphalt tend to collect water, gravel, and other debris, leading to even greater damage. Proper repair of asphalt paving in Fort Worth also provides a safe surface for pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
While larger cracks and potholes are best addressed by a professional asphalt paving contractor near you, smaller cracks and tiny chips and imperfections in asphalt might be patched by a homeowner or property owner. To ensure you’re always keeping your home’s asphalt driveway or a commercial parking lot in good repair, note some tips on asphalt crack repair in Fort Worth and some vital information on when you should call a professional paving contractor instead!
For driveway crack repair in Fort Worth, start by removing all vegetation growing through a crack or pothole. Sweep out the damaged area or use a leaf blower and blow away all residues and debris. Use a heavy-duty screwdriver to widen the crack as needed, exposing the lower layers and ensuring there is a thick base or foundation to hold your patching material.
Use asphalt patch filler on a driveway crack. Be sure to tamp down the filler as you apply it, so that it’s compacted and firm and adheres to the surrounding asphalt. Once the crack is patched, you might need to apply sealant over the patch or even your entire span of pavement, to protect your work and your driveway or parking lot!
To keep your property’s asphalt in good condition, consider what causes asphalt driveway cracks in Fort Worth as well as damage to asphalt in general:
A seal coating might fill in very minor hairline cracks in asphalt, but note that a standard seal coat is meant to protect asphalt from damage, not act as a patching or filler. Seal coating adds a layer of protective material between asphalt and outside weather conditions, harsh sunlight, and the like.
Chip sealing a Fort Worth driveway or parking lot is useful for repairing damage. A chip seal starts with a layer of liquid asphalt over which a layer of aggregates or chips is added; the mixture is then compacted and allowed to cure. Chip sealing fills in cracks and small potholes and provides a fresh asphalt surface, ready for new parking lines and vehicle traffic.
A high-quality asphalt installation in Fort Worth should last some 20 to 30 years, but the lifespan of asphalt depends on its overall maintenance and general wear and tear. Note some vital information about maintaining asphalt and keeping it in good condition so you know your new driveway or parking lot maintains its strength and stability as well as its appearance for as long as possible:
Both asphalt and concrete have pros and cons, but note that asphalt is far less costly to install than concrete. The material is also easier and more cost-efficient to repair and the texture of asphalt provides added traction against skidding and sliding. The dark color of asphalt also provides a natural contrast against your lawn and landscaping and a white home or building.
Note, too, that many people mistakenly assume that asphalt is a poor choice for the environment as it’s produces with petroleum; however, asphalt is fully recyclable and doesn’t require a mixing truck in constant use during its installation. A chip sealant also extends the life of your asphalt driveway or parking lot so that you don’t need to have the pavement torn up and removed as often throughout the years, reducing waste.
Asphalt is also softer underfoot than concrete, absorbing movement and sound, potentially reducing wear and tear on vehicles and creating a quieter outside environment. Consistent asphalt crack repair in Fort Worth is also typically easier than patching concrete, making asphalt an excellent option for any residential or commercial property.