Sprickförsegling

Sprickförsegling, or crack sealing, is a maintenance technique used to repair cracks in asphalt and concrete surfaces, commonly found in roads, pavements, and other infrastructure. The primary goal of crack sealing is to prevent the ingress of water and incompressible materials into the pavement structure. Water is a major contributor to pavement deterioration, as it can weaken the base and sub-base layers, leading to larger structural problems such as potholes. In freeze-thaw climates, water trapped in cracks can expand when it freezes, widening the cracks and causing further damage.

The process typically involves cleaning out the crack to remove debris, dust, and vegetation. This can be done with compressed air, brushes, or specialized cleaning equipment. Once the crack is clean, a hot-poured sealant or a cold-applied sealant is injected into the void. Hot-poured sealants are thermoplastic materials that are heated to a liquid state before application and cool to form a flexible, watertight seal. Cold-applied sealants are typically one or two-component materials that cure through chemical reactions or solvent evaporation. The choice of sealant depends on factors such as climate, traffic volume, and the type and size of the crack.

Effective crack sealing extends the service life of pavements, reduces the need for more costly rehabilitation or reconstruction, and improves the overall ride quality and safety of the surface. It is a crucial component of pavement management systems, helping to preserve infrastructure investments.