Cracks can form in asphalt or concrete pavements through various modes of distress. Regardless of how the cracks form, they must be maintained to help protect the pavement structure. If the cracks are not maintained, the cracks can ravel and increase in size. They allow water to penetrate into the structure from the pavement surface, which eventually causes potholes and further deterioration. There are several maintenance options that can be used to maintain cracked pavements including overlays, surface treatments, and crack sealing. Crack sealing is the most common maintenance option used to help protect the pavement structure. It is often placed in advance of overlays and surface treatments to improve performance.

The Crack Seal Project includes neighborhoods, as well as arterial streets all across the City. The work is divided between the City Streets Department and a private contractor.

Be sure to examine the "NO PARKING" signs closely, they will tell you the actual days and dates work is scheduled for your street. The "NO PARKING" signs are placed at least 24 hours prior to any work to be performed, and fliers are distributed door-to-door to keep you informed of the work schedule.

In addition to proper material preparation and application, a critical step in crack preparation is cleaning and drying the crack. First, the cracks are cleaned and dried using a hot compressed air heat lance. Then, the cracks are filled with hot poured rubberized joint and crack sealant. Excess sealant is leveled off at the surface using a squeegee. The air temperature during application should be 30 degrees farenheit and rising. The best time to seal cracks is during the cooler winter months when the cracks are the widest.

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