Crack Sealing Treatments

Use the ISSA A175 and the following questions to inform decisions and provide support when writing a final specification for your crack sealing treatment:

• Make sure the applicable specifications are referenced.  There are many different federal, state, local, ASTM, and AASHTO specifications.
• Ensure the correct material is specified based on the climate region.  Certain sealants are designed to be more flexible than the existing pavement to withstand greater pavement movements.
• Ensure that the crack sealing product has been certified.  Some state and local agencies require manufacturer or independent laboratory certification.  Other agencies require pre-approved products.
• Specify the correct equipment to be utilized on the project.  An oil melter should be used on projects requiring material that meets ASTM Specifications.
• Weather limatations should be spelled out and followed.
• Public notification should be part of a specification to keep the public posted on when construction will take place and what to expect.
• Traffic control should be listed in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
• Specify whether just cleaning or routing is required.  Routing should be considered in areas with increased thermal movement or when a high performance product is preferred.
• Does blotter or detackifying material need to be specified?  If the crack sealing has to be let to traffic sooner than anticipated, blotter material should be specified.  This is usually either sand or a de-tacking agent.
• A quality control checklist should be provided for the inspector.
• The method of measurement can be either by the linear foot, pounds, or gallons of product.