If you’ve ever seen a jagged line across your driveway or parking lot, you’ve witnessed the early signs of pavement wear. While they might seem harmless at first, untreated cracks can grow fast, especially in Colorado’s unpredictable climate. Fortunately, crack sealing is a cost-effective, preventative measure that can add years to the life of your asphalt.
How Cracks Happen – and How They’re Sealed
In Northern Colorado, pavement is put to the test year-round. Water seeps into tiny cracks, freezes overnight, and expands during freeze-thaw cycles in the spring and fall. These can quickly turn minor surface flaws into major damage. High-altitude sunlight and low humidity also cause oxidation and drying, making asphalt brittle and more likely to fracture. Vehicle traffic also contributes significant stress to pavement.
Crack sealing works by addressing the problem before it gets worse. A professional will first clean the crack thoroughly, then route it (if needed) to ensure a clean edge for bonding. A hot, rubberized sealant is applied that penetrates and adheres to the asphalt, forming a flexible, waterproof barrier. This prevents water infiltration and keeps out debris, stopping the crack from growing and protecting the pavement’s base structure.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The sooner you seal a crack, the better. Water infiltration is one of the leading causes of pavement failure. Once moisture reaches the sub-base, it compromises the structural integrity of the entire surface. By sealing early, you can prevent potholes, surface erosion, and the need for more expensive repairs down the road.
Crack sealing is also a smart long-term investment. According to the Federal Highway Administration, preventive maintenance like crack sealing can extend the life of pavement by as much as five to ten years. This helps avoid full resurfacing or reconstruction, which is more costly. Regular maintenance also enhances curb appeal and improves safety by reducing tripping hazards and vehicle damage.
Professional Application Makes a Difference
While DIY crack fillers exist, they often lack the durability and adhesion of professional-grade materials. More importantly, proper application requires specific tools, like air compressors, heat lances, and pour pots, as well as expert knowledge of routing, sealant selection, and temperature conditions.
Professional contractors follow industry best practices to ensure long-lasting results, including pre-heating the crack for maximum adhesion and using quality sealants rated for Colorado’s climate. This level of detail ensures the seal remains intact through temperature extremes and heavy traffic.
Protect Your Pavement with Asphalt Doctors
At Asphalt Doctors, we specialize in pavement preservation across the Denver metro area, including Fort Lupton and beyond. With decades of experience and state-of-the-art equipment, we help homeowners, HOAs, and businesses protect their investment with expert crack sealing services. Whether you're looking to extend the life of your driveway or keep your commercial lot in top shape, we're here to help.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or request a quote—we’ll keep your pavement smooth, sealed, and built to last.