Overview
Maintenance of asphalt driveways and parking lots is essential to avoid serious repair costs in the future. The two most common maintenance techniques are asphalt tape and crack filler. Knowing which one to use depends on your needs, the type of crack, and the severity of the damage. Let us take a look at both techniques and decide which one is best for your situation.
Asphalt Tape
Asphalt tape is a self-adhesive, rubberized tape that comes in two forms, exposed membrane and fully laminated material. The exposed membrane is perfect for smaller cracks in your driveway or parking lot surface. The fully laminated material is a bit more expensive but is best for more substantial cracks.
Asphalt tape is perfect if you’re looking for a long-term solution. Once installed, it has a life expectancy of 8-10 years on average. It is also resistant to water and other harsh chemicals. It acts as a barrier against water penetration, which can cause the sub-layer of your driveway to erode further.
Applying asphalt tape is simple. Start by cleaning the crack of any dirt or debris. Apply the asphalt tape over the crack, trimming as needed to ensure a tight fit. Press the tape down firmly to activate the adhesive and hold it in place.
Crack Filler
Crack filler is a liquid composition that seeps into a crack to fill it up. There are two types of crack fillers, hot-pour and cold-pour fillers. Hot-pour crack fillers are best for larger cracks and available only to professionals. Cold-pour crack fillers are perfect for small cracks and can be used by anyone.
Crack filler is perfect if you need a quick and temporary solution. The life expectancy of crack filler is shorter in comparison to asphalt tape, but it is less expensive. Furthermore, crack fillers are perfect for many types of cracks, including surface treads and deeper cracks on the driveway or parking lot surface.
Applying crack filler is simple. Start by cleaning the crack of any dirt or debris. Pour the solution into the crack slowly, ensuring that the entire crack is filled. Use a scraper or trowel to smooth out the surface and ensure an even application.
Conclusion
Both asphalt tape and crack filler are great ways to maintain asphalt driveways and parking lots. Choosing between the two methods depends on the size, severity, and nature of the crack or damage. Asphalt tape is perfect for larger and more significant cracks because it can act as a barrier and lasts longer. Crack filler is perfect for small temporary cracks and other types of damage because it is less expensive and easier to apply.
In summary, the decision to use either asphalt tape or crack filler depends on the duration, budget, and size of the crack or damage. It is essential to analyze your situation correctly to ensure that you choose the right technique for your needs. By choosing the right technique, you can ensure that your driveway or parking lot remains in excellent condition for years to come. To obtain additional details about the topic, we suggest exploring this external source. pavemade.com, delve deeper into the topic and discover new insights and perspectives.
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