How to Use a Crack Sealer

Cracks in pavement need to be promptly sealed in order to maintain the integrity of the surface and prevent further damage, and to do that, you need a crack sealer. These machines make quick work of heating up and dispensing the sealant into the cracks so that your job goes much more quickly and smoothly. But how do you use a crack sealer to seal cracks? This quick guide will help you master the process.

Set the Right Temperature

First, you’ll want to make sure that your crack sealer is at the ideal temperature to heat up the asphalt without burning it. 350°F is the ideal temperature for asphalt, as anything higher will melt the rubber component and render the material useless. 

Load the Machine

Next, you’ll want to ensure that you’re loading the machine safely. Always wear a pair of heavy-duty gloves and a set of goggles while working with hot materials. Your crack sealer may load from either the front or the side, and you may use liquid crack filler, rubberized direct-fire crack filler, or oil-jacketed crack filler to fill it. Most often, water-based crack filler is needed, but it’s always good to check what type will be best for your application.

It’s very important that you don’t overfill the shoe of the machine, as this can result in wasted material if you use more than you actually need. You can use a squeegee tool to clean out the shoe if needed, and this tool can also help to smooth the applied crack filler on the surface of the pavement.

Visit our dealership in Pickering, ON, today to view our current stock of new and used crack sealers and other equipment for sale. Alltrade Equipment Corp. serves our Ontario customers in greater Toronto and Oshawa.