Crack Routing & Its Importance In The Paving Process
If you have ever been behind the wheel along a poorly-maintained roadway, you know the frustrations of navigating surface cracks and potholes. These flaws compromise the safety of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike, resulting in avoidable accidents and failed pavement patches. To remedy this issue, professionals use crack routing as a structural repair solution to create stronger, safer surfaces for drivers, bikers and pedestrians. In this blog post, we will explain the importance of crack routing, how it works, and why it’s crucial to the longevity and safety of roadways.
Crack routing is the process of creating a uniform, 0.75-inch wide groove along cracks that are greater than one inch in width and depth on pavement surfaces. Routing removes cracked and loose pavement materials and enables a clean, even joint reservoir to be created for sealant material application. It is the first step in any successful crack sealing or crack filling project, as it allows the sealant material to adhere more strongly to the surrounding pavement. Additionally, routing provides additional vertical depth to the joint and ensures the proper bond strength between pavement levels.
Crack routing is typically done by saw cutting, an operation that uses a specialized saw blade designed for the job. These blades are made to cut through concrete, asphalt, and aggregate layers while limiting dust and improving safety. Multiple passes are made over each crack, depending on the crack width and depth. After routing, the channels are thoroughly cleaned and ready for sealant application.
The main purpose of crack routing is to prevent water penetration and debris accumulation that can degrade pavement performance in the long term. By creating a clean, tightly sealed surface, crack routing prevents water intrusion and helps to maintain pavement elasticity. It is a cost-effective and preventative maintenance technique that helps to extend pavement service life, reduce pavement stress, and maintain smooth driving surfaces.
Conclusion
If you see visible cracks on the surface of your pavement, it’s a good indication that you need to schedule professional crack routing services. At C. Brooks Paving, we offer high-quality crack routing and sealing services in Kerrville, TX, that improve pavement performance and extend the life of the pavement. Our team of expert technicians uses the latest saw cutting technology to create clean and uniform channels that will support the longevity of your pavement. If you're looking for chip seal in Kerrville, TX, get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our paving services.