Movement Is Inevitable
Asphalt is a flexible pavement. It expands and contracts with temperature. It flexes under load. Underneath it, the soil moves with moisture. Some cracking is inevitable in every asphalt surface, no matter how well built.
The goal is not to prevent all cracks — it is to control where and how they form, and to seal them before they cause worse damage.
Primary Causes
Thermal contraction. As temperatures drop, asphalt shrinks. Long straight cracks running across the pavement are usually thermal.
Base failure. If the base moves — from water intrusion, poor compaction, or unsuitable soil — the pavement above cracks in patterns (alligator cracking).
Load stress. Heavy vehicles beyond design capacity cause fatigue cracking in wheel paths.
Aging binder. UV and oxidation harden the asphalt binder over time, making it brittle and prone to shrinkage cracking.
Joint failure. Longitudinal cracks along paving joints often indicate compaction or bonding problems at the joint.
Edge failure. Unsupported edges break off, leading to edge cracking.
Reflective cracking. Cracks in an overlay that mirror cracks in the pavement beneath.
Reading the Pattern
- Straight lines across the pavement → thermal
- Interconnected polygons → base failure
- Wheel path cracks → load fatigue
- Grid across the whole lot → binder aging
- Cracks along a seam → joint failure
Correct diagnosis dictates correct repair. A base failure crack sealed without addressing the base will reappear.
What Slows Crack Formation
- Correct base preparation
- Proper drainage
- Timely sealcoating (blocks UV before binder ages)
- Prompt sealing of any crack that opens (keeps water out of the base)
Related Services
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Get a Free Estimate
Quality Paving provides estimates throughout Middle Georgia and surrounding communities, subject to project location and scheduling. If you would like an honest assessment of your property, request a free estimate or call (770) 946-5355.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all cracks a warning sign?
Not immediately. Small thermal cracks are normal on any asphalt over a year old. Widening, branching, or interconnected cracks warrant a closer look.
Can crack sealant stop cracks from spreading?
It slows spread significantly by keeping water out. It cannot stop the underlying movement.
How wide is 'too wide' to seal?
Anything over 1 inch typically indicates a repair rather than a fill. Get an eye on it.