Small cracks in asphalt often seem minor and harmless, but ignoring them can quickly lead to severe damage, costly repairs, and serious safety risks. Even tiny fissures allow water to seep beneath the surface, accelerating pavement deterioration and causing problems like potholes and structural failure. 

Taking early action with professional crack repair and asphalt coatings is crucial to preserving your pavement’s integrity and protecting your investment.

Small Cracks: More Harm Than You Think

At first, small cracks may appear as mere surface blemishes, too minor to cause genuine concern. However, beneath this deceptive appearance, these fissures can initiate a chain reaction of pavement deterioration. 

Moisture seeps through cracks, damaging the underlying base, while freeze-thaw cycles cause expansion that worsens the cracks. This process accelerates pavement failure, leading to potholes and safety hazards.

Fortunately, proper maintenance techniques such as crack sealing and asphalt coatings can prevent these minor issues from escalating.

What Causes Small Cracks in Asphalt?

Before understanding why ignoring cracks is dangerous, it is crucial to know what causes them. Various factors contribute to the formation of small cracks in asphalt surfaces.

Weather Conditions

Asphalt is continuously exposed to the elements. Freeze-thaw cycles in colder climates cause water trapped inside cracks to freeze and expand, enlarging the cracks over time. Similarly, intense sun exposure causes asphalt to dry out and become brittle, leading to cracking.

Heavy Traffic and Load Stresses

Pavements subjected to heavy traffic or loads experience stress beyond their design capacity. Repeated pressure from vehicles causes the asphalt to flex and crack, especially if the pavement structure is not robust enough.

Poor Initial Installation or Aging Asphalt

Improper installation, such as inadequate compaction or the use of substandard materials, predisposes asphalt to early cracking. Moreover, asphalt naturally ages and deteriorates over time, losing its flexibility and becoming prone to cracks.

Effects of Water Infiltration

Water is one of the biggest enemies of asphalt pavements. Once small cracks develop, water seeps through, undermining the base layer and accelerating the deterioration process.

Why Small Cracks Should Never Be Ignored

Understanding the hazards posed by even tiny cracks is vital for maintaining pavement health. Small cracks are not just surface imperfections; they are gateways to deeper damage.

Cracks Allow Water to Penetrate the Base Layers

When water infiltrates through cracks, it weakens the sub-base and soil beneath the asphalt. This reduces the pavement’s load-bearing capacity, making it more susceptible to deformation.

Water Damage Causes Pavement Deterioration

When water infiltrates pavement, it seeps into the underlying base materials, gradually causing erosion. This erosion weakens the structural support beneath the surface, reducing the pavement’s stability and load-bearing capacity. 

As the foundation deteriorates, the pavement above begins to crack and collapse, leading to the formation of potholes. These potholes not only damage vehicles but also pose significant safety risks for pedestrians and drivers alike. Over time, continued water exposure accelerates pavement weakening, increasing maintenance costs and the likelihood of further road damage.

Expansion Through Temperature Changes

Freeze-thaw cycles cause water inside cracks to freeze and expand, making the cracks larger and more damaging with each passing season.

Increased Risk of Structural Failure

Unchecked cracks compromise the structural integrity of the pavement, potentially leading to major failures requiring costly full-depth repairs or replacement.

The Long-Term Consequences of Ignoring Small Cracks

The impact of ignoring small cracks extends far beyond the initial damage. The longer cracks go untreated, the more severe the consequences become.

Escalation to Larger Cracks and Potholes

Small cracks grow and connect to form large cracks and potholes. This accelerates deterioration and creates significant repair challenges.

Higher Repair Costs Due to More Extensive Damage

Repairing minor cracks early is far less expensive than fixing extensive potholes or replacing entire pavement sections.

Safety Hazards for Drivers and Pedestrians

Cracked and pothole-ridden surfaces increase the risk of accidents, vehicle damage, and injuries, potentially exposing property owners to liability.

Decreased Property Value and Curb Appeal

Damaged pavement detracts from a property’s appearance, lowering its value and appeal to tenants, customers, or visitors.

Benefits of Early Crack Repair and Preventive Maintenance

Proactive maintenance is the key to extending pavement life and avoiding costly repairs. Early crack repair offers multiple advantages.

Cost Savings with Early Crack Sealing and Patching

Repairing small cracks promptly is far more affordable than waiting until the damage spreads and requires major restoration. Early interventions prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs or complete pavement replacement.

Extending the Life of Your Asphalt Pavement

Sealing cracks early stops water from penetrating beneath the surface, which helps maintain the integrity of the pavement’s base structure. This preservation slows deterioration and extends the functional life of the asphalt, reducing the frequency of major maintenance projects.

Enhancing Surface Appearance and Safety

Sealed cracks create a smoother, more uniform surface, enhancing curb appeal and contributing to safer conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. Preventing cracks from widening also reduces the risk of tripping hazards and vehicle damage.

How Professional Asphalt Coatings Protect and Seal Small Cracks

Using high-quality asphalt coatings adds an extra layer of protection that effectively seals minor cracks. These coatings shield the pavement from damaging UV rays, water infiltration, and chemical exposure, further preventing premature wear and prolonging pavement durability.

Professional Solutions for Small Crack Repair

Knowing the repair options and their benefits can guide property owners to the right choice for pavement maintenance.

Overview of Crack Sealing and Filling Techniques

• Crack Sealing: Involves cleaning the cracks and applying a rubberised sealant to prevent water infiltration.
• Crack Filling: Uses asphalt-based fillers to fill the cracks, but may not provide as durable a seal.
  

When to Choose DIY vs. Professional Services

DIY repair may be suitable for tiny cracks on residential driveways, but professionals offer superior results for commercial or larger areas, thanks to their proper tools and expertise.

Importance of Using Quality Materials and Proper Application

Using subpar materials or incorrect application methods can result in ineffective repairs and premature failure.

Role of Asphalt Coatings and Sealants in Preventive Care

Applying asphalt coatings regularly creates a barrier against moisture and UV rays, protecting the pavement and extending the time between repairs.

How Asphalt Coatings Company Can Help

At Asphalt Coatings Company, we specialise in extending pavement life and preventing costly repairs through expert crack repair, sealing, and coating services.

Our skilled team uses industry-leading materials and techniques tailored to your pavement’s condition and local environment. Whether you have minor cracks or extensive damage, we provide personalised solutions to restore and protect your asphalt surface.

We proudly serve commercial and residential clients, offering:

• Comprehensive crack inspection and assessment
• Professional crack sealing and filling
• High-quality asphalt coatings for enhanced durability
• Routine maintenance plans to prevent future damage

Our track record of successful projects and satisfied customers demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality and lasting results.

Common Causes and Consequences of Small Asphalt Cracks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I inspect my asphalt for small cracks?

It’s recommended to inspect your asphalt at least twice a year, preferably in spring and fall, to catch cracks early and schedule timely repairs.

Can small cracks be repaired to prevent damage during winter?

Yes. Sealing cracks before winter prevents water from freezing inside them, which stops crack expansion caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

What is the difference between crack sealing and crack filling?

Crack sealing involves applying a flexible rubberised sealant to keep water out, ideal for active cracks. Crack filling utilizes rigid fillers to seal dormant cracks. Sealing is generally more durable.

Are asphalt coatings effective in preventing future cracks?

Asphalt coatings protect the surface from UV rays, oxidation, and moisture, all of which contribute to cracking. Regular coatings help slow asphalt deterioration.

What factors determine the cost of crack repair?

Costs depend on the crack size, total area, type of repair (sealing vs. filling), and whether professional services are utilized. Early repairs are more affordable.

Keeping Your Pavement Safe and Sound Starts Now

Ignoring small cracks in asphalt may seem like saving time or money, but it often results in far greater expense, safety risks, and damage to your property’s value. The dangers, from water infiltration to structural failure, underscore the importance of regular inspections and timely repairs.

At Asphalt Coatings Company, we understand the urgency and provide expert solutions tailored to your needs. Don’t wait until small cracks become significant problems. Inspect your pavement regularly and reach out for professional assessment and repair services to protect your investment.

Contact us today at Asphalt Coatings Company to schedule your free pavement evaluation and keep your asphalt safe, strong, and looking great for years to come.