Why Morgantown Asphalt Crack Sealing Is Critical Before Spring
Morgantown asphalt crack sealing is an important maintenance service that can prevent major damage to your asphalt and its underlying foundation. Most experts recommend hiring asphalt crack sealing companies at least once a year. However, timing this critical service can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s best to get professional asphalt crack sealing before the spring season arrives.
What Is Morgantown Asphalt Crack Sealing?
West Virginia crack sealing is a type of repair focusing solely on the voids that develop on pavement throughout the year. Cracks can form in many ways. In some cases, they’re a byproduct of stress and excessive weight. Other times, cracks appear due to temperature changes throughout the year. Whatever the case, asphalt crack sealing can protect your pavement against water penetration while also limiting the spread of damage.
Contractors will assess the damage closely to determine the best approach to repair cracks. Cracks can be working or non-working. Non-working cracks have a low chance of spreading. Therefore, professionals can use a more rigid asphalt filler compound to keep water out. However, working cracks can spread due to movement. A tougher asphalt crack filler prevents surfaces from moving with traffic, expansion and contraction. So, contractors use more flexible asphalt crack sealer products instead of standard crack filler.
Asphalt crack filler prevents additional cracking while expanding and contracting during temperature fluctuations. This characteristic is vital, especially in West Virginia.
Why Is Pavement More Vulnerable to Damage in the Winter?
West Virginia winters can be particularly rough for driveways, parking lots and other asphalt surfaces. In Morgantown and the surrounding areas, temperatures can plummet well below freezing throughout the season. Asphalt goes through a process called embrittlement during the winter. It becomes more rigid, losing its trademark flexibility. The material becomes more prone to cracking. Even existing voids mended by asphalt filler may fail due to cold temperatures.
Embrittlement can cause cracks to develop. Moisture from rain and melted snow can then seep into those voids, refreezing to expand cracks. West Virginia crack sealing is vital to addressing damage from the winter season. Failing to apply asphalt crack sealer could lead to significant problems when temperatures rise.
How Can Morgantown Asphalt Crack Sealing Before Spring Prevent Major Issues?
So why do asphalt crack sealing companies recommend investing in asphalt filler and sealer before spring arrives? Morgantown receives, on average, about 42 inches of rain annually. While summer is the rainiest season of the year in West Virginia, you can expect several inches during the spring, too.
West Virginia crack sealing before spring arrives ensures your pavement is well-protected from Mother Nature’s onslaught. You want all cracks and voids mended properly before rain regularly occurs on your property. Otherwise, water will seep into those cracks to wreak havoc on your pavement’s foundation. Water erosion can significantly weaken the sub-base and subgrade, resulting in potholes, severe damage and eventual structural failure.
Think of pre-spring asphalt crack sealing as a proactive measure to mitigate more costly damage. Having contractors apply asphalt crack sealer to working cracks and asphalt crack filler to non-working voids ensures that water infiltration won’t be an issue for you come spring and summer.
At Erskine Paving, we understand the complexities of asphalt paving and the unique challenges our clients face in Morgantown and the surrounding communities. As one of West Virginia’s most trusted asphalt crack sealing companies, we’re ready to provide service when you need it most. Our well-trained team has the expertise to provide timely care before spring arrives, ensuring years of beauty and reliability. We’re here for all your paving needs. Our services include asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating, line striping, gravel hauling, snow plowing and more.
Let’s discuss your needs in greater detail. Call Erskine Paving today at (304)222-9272, email Erskinesealcoating@gmail.com or use our online form below to reach out and get your free quote.