Every asphalt surface will crack eventually. That’s just the nature of time, weather, and wear. What matters is how quickly you address it and how well the job is done. Crack filling is one of the most effective ways to protect your driveway or parking lot from water infiltration, further cracking, and early failure. But should you do it yourself or call in a professional? The answer depends on what you’re working with, what tools you have, and what kind of results you want.
Why Crack Filling Is So Important
Cracks let water in, and water is asphalt’s worst enemy. Once moisture seeps below the surface, it softens the foundation and allows freeze-thaw cycles to cause expansion and collapse. That leads to potholes, alligator cracking, and big repair bills.
Crack filling is about sealing off that entry point. If it’s done right, it keeps the surface tight, smooth, and protected for years. If it’s done poorly, the crack will open back up and you’ll be right back where you started, or worse.
What DIY Crack Filling Involves
There are plenty of crack filler products available at hardware stores. These usually come in squeeze bottles, caulking tubes, or pourable jugs. They’re made for small, surface-level cracks and can be applied without special equipment. For the average homeowner, they’re a fast and affordable solution.
To use them, you’ll need to clean the crack thoroughly first. That means removing weeds, dirt, and debris with a wire brush or blower. Then you apply the filler, smooth it out, and let it cure. For narrow surface cracks, this can work well if you’re patient and follow instructions closely.
DIY products work best on hairline cracks or minor separations under half an inch wide. These small cracks are often cosmetic but can become a bigger problem if ignored. A homeowner with some time and attention to detail can definitely take care of these.
Where DIY Falls Short
Once cracks grow wider, deeper, or start to show signs of structural damage, DIY just isn’t enough. Most consumer-grade fillers are made from lower-grade materials that don’t bond as well or last as long. They tend to shrink over time, especially in extreme temperatures. That means they need to be reapplied often.
If your cracks are wider than half an inch, uneven in depth, or branching out in multiple directions, you’re past the point where a squeeze bottle can help. You’ll need hot rubberized crack filler, professional-grade cleaning tools, and an experienced hand to get the job done right.
DIY methods also don’t handle drainage or foundation problems. If water is pooling near your cracks or if sections of your pavement are sinking, filling the crack won’t solve the problem. It might hide the symptom for a while, but the damage underneath will keep getting worse.
What Professionals Bring to the Table
When you call a contractor for crack filling, you’re not just paying for the sealant. You’re getting equipment, expertise, and efficiency. Professional crack filling uses hot-applied rubber that bonds deep into the crack and flexes with the pavement. This material is far more durable than anything on store shelves.
Before filling, contractors clean the cracks thoroughly with high-pressure air or mechanical routers to ensure the sealant sticks. They also shape the crack if needed and apply the material at the correct temperature for maximum adhesion. The result is a seamless repair that prevents water intrusion and holds up under traffic and weather.
If the damage is more than just a few cracks, a contractor can assess the whole situation. Sometimes the right move isn’t crack filling, it’s patching, overlay, or even full resurfacing. You don’t want to pour time and money into minor fixes if the foundation is failing underneath.
At Walt’s Paving, we don’t guess. We evaluate every job with an expert eye and give you a recommendation that fits the surface, your goals, and your budget. Crack filling is a service we take seriously because it’s one of the best tools for extending the life of asphalt when done right.
When to Call a Contractor
You should bring in a pro when:
- Cracks are broad, deep, or uneven.
- There’s vegetation growing out of them.
- Cracks keep coming back after repeated DIY attempts.
- You see water pooling, soft spots, or depressions.
- The surface has significant wear or multiple problem areas.
You should also consider professional help if your lot or driveway gets heavy use. Commercial properties, apartment complexes, and high-traffic driveways need long-lasting solutions. Cutting corners here leads to faster deterioration and higher costs later on.
DIY Makes Sense in the Right Situation
That doesn’t mean you should never take the DIY route. If you’ve got a few hairline cracks on an otherwise healthy driveway, there’s no harm in sealing them yourself. It’s a good weekend project, and it shows you care about maintaining your property.
Just be honest with yourself about the size of the problem. If you’re chasing the same cracks year after year, or if new ones keep popping up, you need more than just a bottle of sealant. You need an experienced contractor with the right tools and materials.
How Can Walt’s Paving Help?
You can count on Walt’s Paving to complete your residential or commercial paving project in an efficient and timely manner. We have over 40 years of experience paving asphalt driveways, making asphalt repairs, and sealcoating asphalt. We are located in Osceola, IN, and serve homeowners and businesses within a 50-mile radius of Elkhart, IN. Call us today!
