Quebec’s harsh climate puts the asphalt to a severe test. Freeze-thaw cycles and water infiltration give way to cracks, swelling and subsidence. Irreparable defects? Not necessarily. If the breakage is well circumscribed and affects only a small area, you may be able to repair the damage yourself, or have it corrected by a contractor. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right option.
First aid measures
When a crack or break appears, the sooner you intervene and correct the problem, the longer the asphalt pavement will last. This is because the appearance of cracks encourages water infiltration, the main enemy of asphalt. To prevent further deterioration, there are a few simple steps you can take, depending on the nature of the problem.
Small crack (less than ¾ in.)
- Fill the crack with a special coating composed of asphalt and rubber and allow the product to dry.
- Depending on the size of the crack, the product will need to be more or less liquid.
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