Crack Sealing Hamilton | Pro Pavement Services Ltd.

Crack Sealing: Preserve Your Pavement In Southern Ontario

Cracks in asphalt pavement can allow water and debris to enter the pavement structure. During Southern Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles, trapped moisture can contribute to weakened base materials, wider cracks, edge deterioration, and potholes. Timely crack sealing helps limit water infiltration and slow further deterioration when the pavement is otherwise in serviceable condition.

Crack Sealing vs. Crack Filling: What's the Difference?

Crack sealing and crack filling are often used interchangeably, but they are different pavement maintenance methods. The right treatment depends mainly on the type of crack and how much movement occurs as temperatures change.

Crack Sealing

Method
Flexible sealant is applied to a properly prepared crack. Routing may be used where appropriate to create a reservoir for the sealant.

Best For
Working cracks that expand and contract with seasonal temperature changes.

Movement
Designed to remain flexible and accommodate movement in the pavement.

Typical Performance
Generally provides a longer-lasting preventive maintenance treatment when the crack type and pavement condition are suitable.

Common Applications
Commercial parking lots, private roads, streets, industrial pavement, and other asphalt surfaces with working cracks.

Crack Filling

Method
Filler or sealant is placed into a prepared crack, typically with less extensive preparation than crack sealing.

Best For
Non-working cracks with limited movement.

Movement
Better suited to cracks where little seasonal movement is expected.

Typical Performance
Typically used as a simpler maintenance treatment for relatively stable cracks.

Common Applications
Non-working cracks on residential, commercial, and other asphalt surfaces.

Bottom line: Crack sealing is generally preferred for working cracks because the flexible sealant can accommodate seasonal pavement movement. Crack filling is better suited to relatively stable, non-working cracks. In Southern Ontario, where repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause cracks to expand and contract, selecting the appropriate treatment is important for effective pavement maintenance.

Hot-Poured Rubber

The practice of sealing cracks and joints with a hot-poured rubberized sealing compound has been around for many years and is recognized by contractors everywhere for its substantial savings in maintenance costs.

Hot-pour rubberized crack or joint sealing materials are used on highways, public streets, private roadways and parking lots (residential, commercial and industrial), track and bus terminals, traffic loops and airport runways just to name a few. Without an ongoing sealing program, the otherwise durable pavement surface will have its life expectancy dramatically shortened.

Long-Term Savings

Joints or cracks sealed with hot-pour, rubberized material have been proven to outperform cold applied and non-rubberized compounds. Although the initial application of hot-pour materials may cost slightly more, this cost is returned in the added years of pavement life. The growing demand for these products throughout North America and other parts of the world confirms large savings in maintenance.

Application Procedure

STEP 1: Routing

The use of routers in cracks or joints ensures cleanliness and superior vertical side walls. This allows for a greater bonding surface.

STEP 2: Crack or Joint Cleaning

After the routing operation is completed, all cracks or joints should be clean, dry and free from any foreign debris. This is achieved with portable air packs with a wind velocity of 340 km/hr.

STEP 3: Material Application

The hot-poured, rubberized material will conform to the latest M.O.T. specifications. The material will be flush with the adjacent pavement or be feathered to prevent damage by snow plows. All material will be applied using pour cones specifically designed to control material flow.

STEP 2(A): Optional Cleaning

This method uses a hot compress air lance, which will both clean and dry the cracks or joints. The heat of the lance will also improve the bond of the hot-poured, rubberized crack sealing material.

STEP 4: Traffic Flow

If necessary, in high traffic areas, a fine dust of talc or Portland cement will be broadcast over sealed areas to prevent tracking.

Call or email us today for more information about our crack sealing services – let us preserve your pavement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does crack sealing last?

Properly installed hot-pour rubberized crack sealing typically lasts several years, depending on traffic volume, climate exposure, and pavement condition. Because it flexes with temperature changes, it holds up significantly longer than cold-pour crack filling, especially through Southern Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles.

How much does crack sealing cost?

Cost depends on the length and number of cracks, the size of the area, site accessibility, and current pavement condition. Crack sealing is significantly more affordable than full resurfacing or replacement, making it one of the most cost-effective pavement preservation options available. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote specific to your property.

What is the best product to seal cracks?

For commercial and high-traffic pavement, hot-poured rubberized sealant is widely regarded as the best option. It creates a flexible, durable bond that moves with the pavement through temperature changes, and it meets current M.O.T. specifications — unlike cold-pour fillers, which are more prone to failure under vehicle traffic and freeze-thaw stress.

What is the difference between crack filling and crack sealing?

Crack sealing uses a flexible sealant applied to a properly prepared crack — often with routing to create a reservoir for the material — and is generally used for working cracks that expand and contract with seasonal temperature changes. Crack filling places filler or sealant into a prepared crack with less extensive preparation, and is better suited to non-working cracks with limited movement. Both methods are used across residential, commercial, and industrial pavement; the right choice depends on the crack type, not the property type. See the comparison above for full details.