Asphalt crack filling in the Ohio Valley
Water in a crack freezes, expands and pries the crack wider. Hot-pour filler seals it shut so your asphalt makes it through another Ohio Valley winter.
One driveway, before and after crack filling.
Why cracks matter
A crack is an open door for water. Once water gets under the asphalt it softens the stone base. In winter it freezes, expands and breaks the edges of the crack off. Along the river we get a lot of freeze-thaw cycles, and every one makes open cracks worse.
Filling cracks is cheap compared to what they turn into: potholes, sunken spots and broken edges that need patching or repaving.
Hot-pour filler
We use a melter to heat crack filler and pour it hot into cleaned-out cracks. Hot filler stays flexible, so it moves with the pavement as it heats and cools instead of popping out.
Our melter on a driveway, ready to go.
How we fill cracks
Clean out
Dirt, weeds and loose material get blown out of each crack.
Heat
Filler is melted to pouring temperature in the melter.
Pour
Hot filler goes into the crack and over its edges to seal it.
Seal
Best results: sealcoat over it once it has cooled.
Best time for crack filling
Fall is a smart time, before the first freezes. Cracks also open up a bit in cooler weather, so filler gets deeper into them. Spring works too, to fix what winter did.
Good fits for crack filling
- Long cracks across a driveway or lot
- Cracks along the edges and seams
- Asphalt you plan to sealcoat
- Older asphalt you want to keep a few more years
Not a good fit: areas broken into small pieces (alligator cracking) or sinking spots. That's a base problem, and we'll tell you so.
Common questions
What's the difference between crack filling and sealcoating?
Crack filling seals individual cracks with hot-pour filler. Sealcoating is a thin protective coat over the whole surface. Sealcoat alone won't fill cracks, so we fill them first.
Can you just fill cracks without sealing?
Yes. Crack filling can be done on its own. Sealing afterward protects the whole surface and makes the repairs blend in.
How wide a crack can be filled?
Hot-pour filler is made for typical cracks in driveways and lots. Very wide cracks, holes and crumbling areas need a patch instead. We'll look and tell you.
When is the best time to fill cracks?
Fall, before the freeze-thaw season, is ideal. Spring is good for fixing what winter opened up.
How much does sealcoating cost per square foot?
Sealcoating is priced by the square foot, and the rate depends on the size of the area, how many cracks need filling, the condition of the surface and how easy it is to get to. Larger areas usually cost less per square foot. We don't publish a flat rate because every surface is different. Call (304) 997-7253 for a free estimate.
Crack Filling near you
From our base in New Martinsville we cover the Ohio Valley on both sides of the river.
- New Martinsville, WVOur home base
- Woodsfield, OHAbout 22 mi, across the river and up into the hills
- St. Marys, WVAbout 26 mi, south on WV-2
- Sistersville, WVAbout 9 mi, south on WV-2
Other services
Get a free estimate
Call anytime, or send us the address and a photo. We'll come look at it and give you a straight price.