The Importance of Etching Crack Walls

Crack sealing is undeniably one of the most important steps in preventing further parking lot and driveway erosion. If you regularly maintain asphalt surfaces over time, you can avoid having to completely resurface or even replace the entire lot. But there’s one thing that some contractors might be overlooking: the value of etching crack walls before crack filling.

Just in case you’re not already taking advantage of this process, here are some things to think about.

Why Etching Crack Walls Makes a Difference

Before filling them, contractors usually clean cracks of any debris or vegetation and then dry the cracks. Although not every contractor does this, etching crack walls as you are cleaning and drying them will help to ensure a longer lasting repair.

Most contractors use a wire wheel to clean out the crack, which is very effective in cleaning it. However, a wire wheel creates a smooth crack wall, which doesn’t give the rubber an ideal surface to adhere to. If you use a heat lance combined with pressure to etch the walls, the walls of the crack will be rougher. As a result, the rubber is almost guaranteed to adhere to the edges of the crack wall for longer than it would if a contractor had used a traditional router or wire wheel.

How KM International’s Crack Jet II Can Help You

Etching crack walls doesn’t require additional work. Instead, equipment like our Crack Jet II can clean, dry, and etch cracks in one motion. It’s a simple and efficient process that will actually allow you to cut down on the equipment you will need to use at job sites. Your crack filling process will no longer require routers, wire wheels, or large compressors, saving you time and money as well as the hassle of moving equipment.

For more information about our Crack Jet II unit, visit our website or call us at 810-688-1234.