Allied Blacktop is the leader in asphalt crack sealing. Our experienced crews perform this process throughout the season to extend asphalt life. Without regular maintenance, water seeps through these cracks and into the base. Once there it freezes and expands as much as 10%, breaking the asphalt and causing an “alligatored” area or pothole.

Prior to a seal coat application, it’s important to rout and seal longitudinal and transverse working cracks that are ¼ inch wide or larger. Typically cracks are routed ¾ inch wide by ¾ inch deep. Routed cracks are then dried and cleaned with a hot air lance or forced air wand and sealed with a 3723 series hot crack seal material.

Allied uses a Bear Cat® melter equipped with a double jacked boiler to prevent scorching and overheating. The melter is also equipped with an applicator wand to prevent premature cooling.

Biodegradable paper is applied as needed to protect the sealing material and prevent tracking. The new crack seal material can usually be driven over in 15 to 20 minutes after application.

Asphalt surfaces tend to crack in stages:

Stage 1:	longitudinal and transverse “working” cracks
Stage 2:	block cracking, extensive rectangular or square cracking patterns
Stage 3:	alligator cracking: not sealable

Check out MNDOT for more technical crack seal information.