Crackfill

Crackfill refers to a category of sealants and fillers used to seal and fill cracks in concrete and asphalt surfaces. The primary purpose is to prevent water intrusion, control debris ingress, and reduce damage from freeze–thaw cycles and traffic loading. Crackfill is commonly applied on roads, parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, bridge decks, and foundation slabs as part of regular pavement maintenance and preservation programs.

Materials used for crackfill vary by substrate and performance requirements. Asphalt-based sealants, including hot-applied rubberized asphalt and cold-pour mixtures, are widely used for asphalt pavements. For concrete, polyurethane and epoxy sealants are favored for their strong bonding, elasticity, and durability in high-traffic or submerged conditions. Some products are self-leveling or designed for injection into wider cracks, while others are applied as trowelable or pourable compounds.

Application generally involves crack cleaning to remove dirt, moisture, and loose material, followed by priming if required. The sealant is then applied into the crack, sometimes after routing or widening the joint to create a better seal, and finished by tooling the surface to ensure proper contact with the crack walls. Curing times depend on the product, temperature, and moisture conditions.

Limitations include its role as a non-structural repair. Crackfill does not restore structural integrity and may require replacement or retreatment if cracks widen, movements increase, or sealants degrade due to traffic and environmental conditions. Lifespan varies with material chosen, climate, and traffic levels, typically ranging from a few years to longer when well maintained.

See also: crack sealing, crack injection, pavement preservation.