Prevent Costly Asphalt Damage: The Role of Seam Repairs Before Winter

Why Paver Seams Sometimes Fail on New Paving Projects:

When asphalt seams cool during paving—these areas become inherently weaker and prone to failure just a few months after installation. The cooling process prevents the proper bonding of the asphalt joints from each pass, leaving vulnerable seams highly susceptible to water infiltration.

Unfortunately, once the paving contractor has been paid, getting them to return and address these issues can often be challenging. This can frustrate property owners, as weak seams quickly lead to problems like cracking, which can lead to expanded alligator cracking and, worse, allow water to penetrate between the base layer and the surface course of asphalt.

This is not a time to get frustrated but rather to plan a course of action to fix the problem.

The critical step is to ensure these seams are repaired promptly, especially before winter, when water can seep into the gaps, freeze, and expand, causing even more significant damage. Using proven repair methods like infrared heating and hot rubberized crack sealant not only restores the integrity of the asphalt but also prevents costly repairs by protecting the surface from winter’s harsh effects.

How does this happen?

An unskilled or mediocre skilled paving crew can sometimes cause it. Sometimes, it's not entirely the asphalt paving contractor's fault and is caused by situations out of their control, such as:

Breakdown at the asphalt plant causing long delays in transporting hot asphalt back to the project
Equipment break-downs that allow the asphalt joints to cool down while the equipment is being repaired
Accidents or other traffic tie-ups that slow down the trucking process to get hot asphalt to the paving project
Job stops for access for emergencies, such as police to fire trucks that need to access the property

The Critical Role of Infrared Repair and Hot Rubberized Crack Sealant for Paver Seams in Asphalt Projects

Addressing seam integrity is essential for the longevity and performance of asphalt paving projects, particularly those where sections are paved on separate days. When seams cool down and are left unrepaired, they become weak points susceptible to water infiltration, cracking, and eventual failure. Advanced repair techniques like infrared technology and hot rubberized crack sealant ensure these seams remain strong and durable. Explore why these methods are essential and how they contribute to high-quality asphalt maintenance.

Why Paver Seams Fail in Multi-Day Asphalt Projects

When paving asphalt sections over multiple days, the seams between the new asphalt mat and already cooled sections can become areas of concern. Here’s why:

Temperature Disparity:
Asphalt laid on different days cools at different rates. The joint between the two sections often lacks the same level of cohesion as asphalt laid continuously.
Material Bonding Challenges:
Without proper treatment, the bond between the old and new asphalt is weaker, creating a seam prone to cracking under traffic and environmental stress.
Vulnerability to Moisture:
The gap or reduced bond allows water to infiltrate, accelerating damage from freeze-thaw cycles and base erosion.
Premature Deterioration:
Left untreated, these weak seams can develop into larger issues such as potholes, raveling, or widespread cracking.

The Importance of Infrared Technology for Seam Repair

Infrared asphalt repair is a cutting-edge solution for addressing weak or cooled seams. This process uses infrared heat to reheat and blend the seam area, creating a seamless, durable bond between the old and new sections of asphalt.

Benefits of Infrared Seam Repair:

Seamless Integration:
Infrared technology softens the existing asphalt, allowing it to blend smoothly with the new asphalt, eliminating visible seams and creating a uniform surface.
Enhanced Bonding:
The reheating process activates the binder in the old asphalt, ensuring a stronger chemical and physical bond with the new material.
Cost-Effective Solution:
By addressing weak seams early, infrared repair prevents larger, more costly repairs in the future.
Minimized Downtime:
Infrared repair is quick and efficient, making it ideal for projects where minimizing disruption is essential.

The Role of Hot Rubberized Crack Sealant

For seams and cracks that cannot be repaired with infrared technology or as an additional step for added protection, hot rubberized crack sealant is a proven solution. This material is applied hot and adheres to the edges of the seam, filling gaps and creating a flexible, waterproof barrier.

Why Hot Rubberized Crack Sealant Is Essential:

Waterproofing:
The sealant prevents water from seeping into the seams, protecting the underlying base from erosion and freeze-thaw damage.
Flexibility:
Unlike rigid fillers, hot rubberized sealant expands and contracts with temperature changes, ensuring long-term durability.
Preventing Further Damage:
By sealing seams and cracks, the material prevents them from widening under traffic loads or environmental stress.
Enhanced Aesthetics:
A properly applied sealant creates a clean, uniform appearance, which is especially important for commercial properties.

Key Considerations for Repairing Cooled Seams

When repairing seams between asphalt sections paved on different days, several factors ensure a successful outcome:

Proper Surface Preparation:
Cleaning the seam and removing debris is critical for optimal bonding, whether using infrared or crack sealant.
Correct Equipment:
Using specialized tools such as infrared heaters or hot rubberized sealant applicators ensures high-quality results.
Timely Repairs:
Addressing seam issues as soon as they are identified prevents further damage and costly repairs down the road.
Sealing the Seam:
Sealing the seam after infrared repair with hot rubberized crack sealant for added protection ensures a long-lasting, waterproof finish.

Why Paver Seam Inspection Is Important On A Bi-Annual Basis

Even seams that may have bonded properly during paving may still be separated at some point down the road. When this happens, it's imperative to use a hot rubberized crack sealant to seal the seams to prevent any water infiltration. Paver seams may start to separate anywhere from 2 to 5 years after paving, which is why an annual inspection is so important.

Partner with Professionals for Seam Repairs

While DIY repairs might seem tempting with crack sealant products sold at home improvement chains, ensuring the longevity and durability of your paver seams often requires the expertise of professionals. A qualified pavement specialist will not only address the visible issues but also identify underlying problems, ensuring your paving project remains structurally sound and visually appealing for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Separated paver seams might seem like a small inconvenience, but they can lead to significant problems if ignored. By addressing seam issues promptly, you protect the integrity, appearance, and longevity of your paving project. Don’t wait for minor problems to become costly repairs—take action today to keep your surfaces safe, functional, and beautiful.

Seams in multi-day asphalt paving projects are often overlooked. Still, they are one of the most critical aspects of ensuring a durable, high-performing surface and the leading cause of premature failure of an asphalt paving project. By leveraging advanced techniques like infrared repair and hot rubberized crack sealant, you can effectively address cooled seams, protect against water infiltration, and extend the pavement's lifespan.

At FixAsphalt.com, we specialize in providing expert seam repair solutions tailored to the unique needs of every project. Don’t let weak seams compromise your investment—contact us today for a consultation, and let us help ensure your pavement gets the maximum life expectancy!