Tag Archives: asphalt emulsions

The Difference Between Crack Sealing and Crack Filling

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All asphalt pavements will eventually require some sort of restoration, repair, or maintenance. This includes crack repair. But there is more than one way to treat cracks in asphalt pavement, and many people confuse them for one another. Cracks in asphalt pavement can either be sealed or filled, depending on several variables. Many people confuse the two terms as being the same task, when in fact, they are two separate methods to crack repair. It is important to understand their differences to accurately match the most effective and durable crack treatment.

Continue reading to learn the difference between crack filling and sealing, and when to use one over the other.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

Working Cracks

In order to understand the methods behind crack sealing and filling, you need to know what the term, “working cracks” refers to. A working crack is a crack that is either vertical or horizontal, and is exhibiting movements greater than 2.5 millimeters. Examples of working cracks include transverse cracks, and in some cases, longitudinal cracks. The method of crack repair that should be used largely depends on the movement criteria of a crack.

Crack Filling

Non-working cracks, crack movements less than 2.5 millimeters, are better repaired using the crack filling method. During this process, specially-manufactured non-rubberized materials are placed within non-working cracks. Examples of such material includes crumb rubber, asphalt emulsion, AC-3, and more. This not only reinforces the pavement, it also drastically reduces water infiltration which can cause cracks to expand. Generally, longitudinal cracks are the most common types of non-working cracks, but in some cases, diagonal cracks and block cracks fit into the
non-working category as well.

Crack Sealing

Crack sealing is a method of crack repair for working cracks, like transverse cracks. In this process, special material is applied on top of, or above, working cracks, not inside. It is applied in a unique configuration to give the pavement less permeability, stopping water infiltration, salt, and other debris. Just like crack fillers, crack sealants are also rubberized products. These bend, stretch, and flex along with the surrounding pavement’s movement, preventing further cracking.

So in short, if you have cracks that are not really moving or expanding, then crack filling is the right treatment for your pavement. But if your cracks are in motion, then you will need to think about crack sealing services instead.

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc.

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional crack filling and repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed road construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.

3 Types of Tar-Free Coal Seal Coats for Asphalt

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Seal coats are used for a number of reasons. They not only improve the appearance of asphalt by maintaining that desirable uniform dark-black color, but they also protect pavement from oxygen, moisture, natural wear and tear, and other likely damages. Sealcoating is applied by brush or spray methods, and typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 years, depending on the region, climate, and other variables. Reapplication is necessary to support longevity and value in asphalt pavements. There are various forms of asphalt mix, most of which are made from emulsions and aggregate materials. Asphalt emulsions are essentially liquids that would otherwise separate without a form of additive.

Continue reading to learn three examples of common coal tar-free asphalt emulsions.

Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833

Types of Asphalt Seal Coats

Sealcoats are safer and easier to apply when they contain water. After application, the water evaporates, the remaining binders (oils and solids) cure to a perfect uniform lawyer that effectively blocks out moisture and oxygen; two elements that are most damaging to asphalt. Here are three kinds of asphalt seal coats:

Chip Seal

This is a sealcoat asphalt emulsion that is made from 60% asphalt and 40% water. The top is finished with one or more layer of fine aggregate material. This process is often referred to as asphaltic surface treatment, and is frequently used on rural roads with lower volumes of traffic. It is a popular alternative to asphalt re-sealing, but not always the best choice for all pavements. It is primarily used to reinforce roads and make new roads more durable.

Fog Seal Emulsions

Fog seal emulsions are generally 30% binder material, and 50% or more of water. It also contains various polymers and additives to enhance the product’s performance. There are a few different types of fog seal emulsions. They include acrylic emulsions, coal tar pitch emulsions, asphalt petroleum-based emulsions, and Gilsonite® emulsions.

Slurry Sealcoat

Slurry sealcoats are asphalt emulsions that are made with aggregate materials, mineral fillers, and additives. This mixture of ingredients bonds with the pavement surface and creates a barrier against weather, moisture, and oxygen.

Commercial Pavement Installation and Repair in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pavement installation and repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed road construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.

Coal Tar-Based Seal Coats Versus Asphalt-Based Seal Coats

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In the paving industry, there has been a long-term debate regarding the pros and cons of both coal tar and asphalt seal coats. And anyone that works in the industry is either for one way or the other, having a strong opinion and preference about each. Although coal tar was used prior to World War II, asphalt-based seal coats were an innovative and exciting addition to the paving industry in the 1980’s.

Continue reading to learn more about these two types of seal coating materials, as well as, the pros and cons of of each.

Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833

Coal Tar Seal Coats

As mentioned, coal tar-based seal coats were used prior to World War II, and have been the customary seal coat for asphalt pavements east of the Rocky Mountains for many years. But in the recent years, many states and municipalities have banned the use and sale of coal tar seal coats for environmental and health reasons. Such states include Washington, Illinois, New York, Minnesota, Maryland, Washington State, The District of Columbia, and Austen Texas. The reason for such bans has to do with coal tar seal coat toxicity. It contains 20 to 30 percent coal tar pitch, which is a steel manufacturing by-product made of 50% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are harmful to humans and the environment. In fact, it is considered a human carcinogen.

Although there are drawbacks to coal tar emulsions, there are a few strong points worth mentioning as well. Coal tar seal coating is highly durable and the application process is easy. It’s also oil and fuel resistant. It is said that the application of coal tar seal coating has to be precise in order to prevent harming the environment and jeopardizing human health; but everyone has their own opinions about this!

Asphalt Seal Coats

Many in the industry look to asphalt-based seal coats as an alternative to the off-putting coal tar based materials. It is a byproduct of petroleum refining and provides a deep, rich black topcoat color. They are much better for the environment because they do not emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). This makes this a great alternative to coal tar emulsions. It is also easy to install and less prone to cracking. A few downfalls to asphalt-based sealcoats include their vulnerability to fuel and oil. Unlike coal tar sealcoats, asphalt-based sealers are less resistant to oil, gasoline, and more.

Indianapolis Commercial Paving and Sealcoating Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial pavement repair and sealcoating service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed road construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.