Crack Fillers
Asphalt Crack Fillers
Keeping your asphalt driveway or parking lot in good, usable condition requires you to fill in any unsightly or dangerous cracks that form in the surface. Looking for the best asphalt crack fillers? Our buying guide contains all of the information that you need.
What are Asphalt Crack Fillers?
Everyone wants to drive on a lovely, smooth asphalt surface. That can be hard to do, however, when there are cracks and other damage on the surface. Since asphalt is a composite made of small chunks of material that are held together with an emulsifier, it can easily break down when exposed to the elements, even if the surface has been properly sealcoated.
Over time, as the ground beneath the asphalt shifts and the surface is driven on by heavy trucks and vehicles, cracks can form in the asphalt. Some of these cracks are shallow and narrow, while others are deeper and wider. It all depends on how much shifting has occurred and what the base of the asphalt is made of. In addition, there are alligator cracks that can form, which are a sign of deeper problems.
Thankfully, asphalt crack fillers exist. In order to keep your asphalt looking nice, you need to use crack fillers, when necessary, in order to maintain the surface. If you just let the cracks go, they will only get larger, and you’ll find that you’ll need to replace the entire parking lot sooner rather than later.
These crack fillers, and there are three different ones, for the record, are designed to make it easy to repair those cracks. Depending on the type, width, and depth of the cracks on your parking lot, you may need one or all three of these forms of crack fillers.
Different Types of Crack Fillers and What They are For
There are three different types of crack filler available. Each has a specific use. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you make the right decision.
| Type of Crack Filler | Uses | Other Info |
| Liquid Crack Filler | Fills cracks that are shallow or narrow (or both), Good for individuals who want to fix cracks themselves (DIYers), |
Sometimes referred to as cold pour crack filler, Sold in one-gallon bottles, Comes as a slurry, A squeegee is used to get the filler into place
|
| Deery Hot Pour Crack Filler | Ideal for wider, longer, and deeper cracks, Product needs to be melted before use, Commonly used by professionals in the asphalt repair industry |
Need a melter or melter kettle to liquify the product before application, Poured into the crack to repair it, Usually takes several hours to dry
|
| Asphalt Patch and Gator Patch | Designed for patching larger areas of broken asphalt, Also works on alligator cracks and shallow cracks, Can be used by DIYers and professionals |
Considered to fall in between liquid crack filler and hot pour crack filler, Has a sludge-like consistency, Needs to dry fully before the surface is drivable
|
Best Crack Filler for Each Type of Crack?
Different asphalt crack sizes require the use of different crack fillers. This is due to the composition of the material. For example, a liquid crack filler won’t be enough for a deep, wide crack, and trying to pour hot asphalt crack filler into a tiny crack would be difficult indeed. In general, these are the best types for each crack, along with a couple of recommended products:
- Narrow and Shallow Cracks – For cracks that are both narrow and shallow, and thus, seemingly easier to fill than others, the best product to use is a liquid crack filler. We recommend AK Super Crack Fill Liquid Sealer, which is sold as a package of four one-gallon containers.
- Deep and Wide Cracks – Cracks that are deeper and wider need to be filled with a hot patch crack filler, like the Deery Hot Pour Rubberized Crack Filler. This product is sold in packages that consists of three boxes. Each box weighs 30 pounds and is capable of filling around 200 feet worth of cracks.
- Alligator Cracks and Other Shallow Cracks – These cracks tend to be shallow and narrow, but are grouped in bunches, and appear similar to the texture of an alligator’s skin. An asphalt patch filler is required for repairing them. We recommend Gator Patch Crack Filler. This product comes as a set of three five-gallon pails. One pail alone is enough to patch 480 square feet worth of asphalt.
How Long Does Crack Filler Last?
The length of time that crack filler lasts depends on several different factors. One, the type of crack filler used is important. A hot pour filler or a patch filler may last longer than a liquid crack sealer. Two, the weather in the area matters as well. For example, if you live in an area that sees a lot of changes to the weather, such as hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, then the crack filler (and the asphalt) won’t last as long as it would an area with more stable weather. And three, the base layer under the asphalt plays a role in the longevity of the crack filler as well. The more than the base shifts, the more that filled cracks will grow. Depending on all of these factors, crack filler can last between four to eight years.
Final Thoughts
It’s best to stay ahead of any cracks that appear in your asphalt’s surface by filling them when they pop up, as long as the weather is right. Otherwise, they may continue to grow and become problematic and damaging to the overall lifespan of your asphalt. At that point, you may need to replace the entire surface, which can be expensive. Instead, just repair those cracks as you see them.
Crack fillers are sold in packages that consist of multiple pails or boxes, making it easy to have the right kind on hand when you need it the most. Whether you’re the sole person in charge of maintaining the asphalt parking lot of a big or small corporation or are running an asphalt repair business, you’ll need to know when to use each kind of crack filler, and it’s always best to have a solid understanding of the equipment required, such as melters or squeegees.
Need help choosing the best crack filler for the job? Our expert team at Asphalt Industrial is happy to help! Give us a call today.