// Crack Sealing VS Patching: Which is More Effective?

Crack Sealing VS Patching: Which is More Effective?

Cracks in your pavement are a clear sign that you either need immediate repairs, or you’ll need to completely repave your pavement in the near future. They’re caused by a variety of factors, but once they start showing up, they’ll allow water to get underneath the pavement and damage it even further.

Outside of repaving the entire area, you have two solutions to deal with cracks. Crack sealing and patching.

Which one’s better, crack sealing vs crack patching? Which one’s the best choice for you? Today, we’re going to explore each option and break down the pros and cons.

crack sealing vs patching

What is Crack Sealing?

Crack sealing is when you use a slurry or similar quick-repair material to fill in the crack and bond the edges of the crack together to prevent further damage. It’s fast, cost-effective, and depending on the situation, it might be more than enough to get the job done.

What is Asphalt Patching?

Asphalt patching is a lot more complicated than crack sealing. When you patch asphalt, you dig up a portion of a paved space and then repave that area.

For example, if you have a 500-foot parking lot, and a 50-foot section was damaged, that 50-foot section would be removed and repaved rather than doing it to the entire surface.

Essentially, this is a mini repaving project, and it entails the same general process.

The Pros and Cons of Crack Sealing

The primary benefit of crack sealing is that it’s extremely cost-effective. It is far less expensive to purchase a relatively small repair kit of sealant, apply it, and let it cure than it is to rip up a section of pavement and redo it entirely.

However, that’s not the only pro. It’s also faster, and it doesn’t interrupt your daily operations. It’s a small fix, and your parking lot can still be used as normal with little chance of the repair being messed with.

It’s not all pros, though.

First, crack sealant can’t be used outside of some niche situations. If the crack is extremely wide, the sealant isn’t going to be a long-term fix, and it might not even hold at all depending on the extent of the issue. If you have alligator cracks, there’s too much structural damage to the pavement, and the sealant isn’t going to do much.

Crack sealant also doesn’t account for the core problem. Why did the crack develop? Is there an underlying issue such as a ground shift and water damage? You might be able to seal a small crack quickly and take care of that one crack, but more are going to pop up in the near future. You can’t seal them all, and eventually, you’ll still need to address that core issue.

Crack sealing is only going to work for minor damage, and even then, it’s not guaranteed that all your problems are fixed. So, those are things you need to consider before trying to save a few bucks on repairs.

The Pros and Cons of Asphalt Patching

Asphalt patching is a far more robust repair, and as such, it provides a lot of benefits that you simply don’t get from crack sealing.

First, the primary issue with crack sealing not solving the core problem in most cases is solved with asphalt patching. When the asphalt is dug up, anything that’s going to prevent the new asphalt layer from performing as intended is corrected before new asphalt is put down. So, you don’t have to worry about fixing the current problem just for more issues to immediately pop up.

Second, this is the only option if the cracks are large or there’s extensive cracking such as alligator cracks. As the only option in that case, it’s the clear winner.

Also, since you’re essentially redoing the pavement in the damaged section, you’re going to have a better looking and higher quality result. The newly patched section will perform just as well as the rest of your undamaged pavement, there shouldn’t be any noticeable seams unless a different material is used, and even then, it looks better than a scraggly line in your pavement.

However, this isn’t the perfect option.

As a more robust project, asphalt patching costs much more than sealing up a single crack. It’s still an affordable solution compared to repaving, but it’s not a cheap fix.

On top of that, it takes longer. The damaged asphalt needs to be removed, the patch needs to be placed, and then it has to cure. That section of your lot won’t be useable for at least a full day. That can impact your business’s productivity depending on the business you operate, and while it’s a short period, it’s still something you have to plan for.

Which is Better: Crack Sealing VS Patching?

It’s not really a question of whether one option is better than the other. The real question to ask yourself is which solution is right for the problem you have. If you notice a small crack or two, no signs of more serious unseen damage, and want to get the most out of your parking lot before you have it paved, seal the cracks. It’s cost-effective, fast, and easy to do.

However, if there is any substantial damage, or there are signs that you have a bigger problem, it’s best to get patchwork done to ensure you don’t have to keep dealing with pavement issues well into the future.

How to Determine Whether You Need Crack Sealing or Patching

While it’s fairly easy to figure out what is best due to visible damage, you always have to consider the possibility of serious unseen damage. The ground could be shifting, there can be an issue far away from the cracks causing water damage, or your pavement could be so old it’s simply deteriorating.

In those cases, you’re unlikely to make a good decision on your own without training. Instead, hire a pavement specialist to perform an inspection.

At Barnes Asphalt, we offer comprehensive pavement services to address all your needs. Our team conducts in-depth inspections to assess the condition of your asphalt and identify any hidden issues. Whether you require crack sealing, patching, asphalt paving, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt miling, full-scale repaving, or a complete paving overhaul, Barnes Asphalt has the expertise and resources to deliver top-quality results. We specialize in everything from minor repairs to full-scale paving projects, ensuring your pavement remains durable, safe, and visually appealing.

Don’t leave your pavement’s health to chance. Contact Barnes Asphalt today for a detailed inspection and a customized quote that meets your needs. Let us help you maintain the longevity and appearance of your asphalt with our expert services.

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