The Best Time of Year for Crack Sealing – Spring and Fall (and Now Winter!)
As you may already know, asphalt pavements are quite flexible, as they expand and contract with temperature change. When pavement moves, that existing crack in the pavement also moves. So, you may be wondering, “what is the best time of year to undergo a crack sealing project?”
Quite often, it is thought that crack sealing is best suited for warmer seasons and climates. While that is a common misconception often made by consumers, the professionals at LAB Manufacturing are here to tell you otherwise. Typically, spring and fall are the optimal seasons for crack sealing, as the temperatures and conditions line up closest with what is needed for a successful crack sealing project to take place. However, with the addition of LAB Manufacturing’s Hot Air Lances to the crack sealing market, there opens up a new time of the year for crack sealing, winter!
Today, we will go into further detail regarding the optimal conditions for a crack sealing project, along with how you can undergo your sealing project in the winter.
Temperature
Temperature is an extremely important factor when it comes to repairing cracks in asphalt. Ideally, you want outdoor temperatures to range between 50°F and 75°F, leaving the asphalt at a temperature around 40°F and rising. During the fall and spring, these conditions occur naturally.
However, during winter, the temperature of the asphalt on roads falls under 40°F. That’s where LAB Manufacturing’s Hot Air Lances come in to save the day. With LAB Manufacturing’s Hot Air Lances, you can now dry and warm pavement surfaces prior to application during the coldest of months. This is made possible through a few key components on the Hot Air Lance: the turbo torch and hot air blaster, which are capable of reaching temperatures of up to 3000°F.
Throughout the winter, the cold temperatures cause the pavement to expand and open up to its widest points. During this time, it is best to fill any asphalt cracks, as they are expanded to their widest points.
Weather
Weather is another important factor to consider before beginning your crack sealing project. Aside from making sure the crack is cleaned of any dirt, loose aggregate, vegetation, or debris, there also cannot be any moisture present. Making sure that pavement joints and cracks are clean and dry prior to sealant installation is essential to your projects’ success.
Ready to Begin Your Crack Sealing Project? Call Us Today!
Looking to get started on your crack sealing project? LAB Manufacturing has you covered! LAB Manufacturing, Inc. has been serving the crack sealing industry with their high-quality heat lances for over 20 years. We have several models to fit your needs, on top of referrals and customer reviews to show for our quality and performance. Ready for your heat lance? Contact us today!
