Asphalt Crack Filler
Asphalt Crack Filler
Keeping your asphalt driveway or parking lot in good, usable condition requires you to fill in any unsightly or dangerous cracks that form on the surface. Looking for the best asphalt crack filler to fill in your cracks? Our asphalt crack filler buying guide contains all of the information that you need.
Before you load your asphalt crack filling machine with any old crack filler, let's take a look at some of the best options for you!
What is Asphalt Crack Filler?
Sealing cracks on your asphalt surface has never been easier. As asphalt cracks form on your driveway or parking lots, you have several options of asphalt crack fillers or crack sealers to choose from. Let's take a look at what asphalt crack filler is and our best asphalt crack filler product we have to offer...
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 filler exist. In order to keep your asphalt looking nice, you need to use crack filler or crack sealer, 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 Asphalt Crack Fillers and What They are For
There are three different types of asphalt crack filler available. Each has a specific use. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you make the right decision.
| Type of Asphalt Crack Filler | Uses | Other Info |
| Liquid Crack Filler | Designed for filling 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. Great for a DIY driveway crack filler
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| Deery Hot Pour Crack Filler | Ideal for filling cracks that are wider, longer, and deeper cracks, Product needs to be melted before use, Commonly used by professionals in the asphalt repair industry, best driveway crack filler |
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, but over best driveway crack filler out there
|
| 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 cracks require the use of different asphalt 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 Hairline Cracks – Narrow 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 – Larger 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 Asphalt Crack Filler Last?
The length of time that asphalt crack filler lasts depends on several different factors. One, the type of asphalt crack filler used is important.
A hot pour asphalt crack 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 drastic changes of hot and cold 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. 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.
Asphalt 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 asphalt 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.