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Understanding Hot Crack Sealing: An Essential for Pavement Longevity

Your driveway or parking lot may look like it’s holding up just fine—but tiny cracks can turn into major problems fast if they’re not properly addressed. One of the best ways to protect your asphalt surface and extend its life is through hot crack sealing, a cost-effective and highly efficient maintenance service we offer right here at R&R Paving.

If you’ve noticed cracks forming in your pavement, don’t wait for them to get worse. Let’s take a closer look at why hot crack sealing matters and how it helps keep your pavement strong and smooth.


What Is Hot Crack Sealing?

Hot crack sealing involves applying a heated, rubberized sealant into existing cracks in your asphalt surface. This material is designed to expand and contract with the pavement, sealing out water, debris, and other elements that can lead to larger issues.

Unlike temporary cold patch fixes, hot crack sealing is a long-term solution that keeps minor cracks from becoming major repairs.


Why Do Cracks Form in Asphalt?

Cracks happen naturally over time due to:

  • Weather changes (expansion and contraction during freeze/thaw cycles)

  • Heavy vehicle traffic

  • Poor drainage

  • UV damage from sun exposure

If left untreated, water can seep into these cracks, freeze in colder months, and widen the damage—eventually leading to potholes, alligator cracking, and even base layer erosion.


Benefits of Hot Crack Sealing

1. Prevents Water Damage
By sealing the cracks, you stop water from penetrating the base layers of your pavement, which helps prevent bigger structural issues.

2. Slows Down Asphalt Deterioration
Crack sealing acts as a protective barrier, reducing the rate at which the asphalt breaks down from environmental exposure.

3. Saves Money Long-Term
It’s far less expensive to seal cracks early than to repair large sections of failed pavement later.

4. Extends Pavement Life
Routine maintenance like hot crack sealing can add years to the life of your driveway or lot, making it a smart investment.

5. Pairs Perfectly With Sealcoating
When combined with regular sealcoating, crack sealing helps create a complete protective system for your asphalt.


When Should You Get Hot Crack Sealing Done?

  • Cracks are 1/8” wide or larger

  • Before winter hits (to stop freeze-thaw damage)

  • Every 2-3 years as part of routine maintenance

If your pavement is starting to show visible cracks, now is the time to act. Don’t wait until costly damage sets in—get ahead of the problem with proactive care.


R&R Paving: Your Local Crack Sealing Experts

At R&R Paving, we’ve been protecting driveways, parking lots, and roads across the Nashville area since 1989. Our team uses commercial-grade materials and professional-grade equipment to get the job done right—the first time.

Whether you own a home, a commercial property, or manage a larger facility, hot crack sealing is one of the smartest ways to preserve your investment.

📞 Call us at (615) 824-6590 or schedule an estimate online and let us help extend the life of your pavement today.