After the winter months, the road surfaces are more brittle and susceptible to damage. One of the first signs of wear is cracking on the road in most cases. This can develop into loose road surfacing, further cracking or even potholes. There are ways to repair this early on, with the two most popular methods being overbanding and crack repair. Both of these roughly achieve the same goal; however, they do so in different ways.
What is the difference between overbanding & crack repair?
Cracks or joints in any asphalt surface are potential weak points that allow the ingress of water into the surface, it is very important to seal these in any asphalt surface.
Overbanding
Overbanding is a heat on strip that can be used when a joint is made between an existing and new asphalt surface, usually as a result of utility instalments or a patch repair. When the asphalt repair is carried out to the usual high standard the new surface would’ve been finished tight up against the existing with no void or requirement for infill -overbanding is not recommended if there is any gap between the new & existing. Using the overbanding in these instants is good practise because in the likely event of any shrinkage or thermal movement the water can be prevented from finding its way in and causing it to open up over time due to freeze thaw cycle.
Crack Repair
Crack Repair is a liquid substance that can be poured into any cracks or voids that appear in asphalt roads or footways, this is preventive maintenance procedure that will prevent water ingress and give the surface a longer lifespan.
Traditional techniques for sealing cracks
For overbanding a crack or joint in an asphalt surface generally consists of filling the joint using molten pitch. This is risky process to undertake and produces an untidy joint. Pitch derives from coal tar which must be heated to 180 degrees Celsius to melt.
Once the pitch has melt, it is poured through a pot into the crack or joint in order to seal it. The process involves walking site around with a hot molten, and sticky substance – a serious health and safety issue! Another disadvantage of using molten pitch is that it produces a smooth surface which has zero skid resistance, making the surface very unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists motorbikes and indeed any vehicles.
Recommended solutions for sealing cracks
For overbanding solutions use the ThermaBand R172, this is HAPAS approved retains flexibility, meaning it won't crack even in cooler conditions and has an anti-skid treatment embedded into the surface.
Have a look at how to Install the Thermaband R172:
For Crack repair solutions use the UltraCrack L270 MMA, this is a cold applied, fast cure, durable skid resistant system that adheres well to any surfaces.
Have a look at how to Install the UltraCrack L270:
I you want to know more about our overbanding & crack repair solutions for your projects then please get in touch today to for guaranteed performance and durability.
