Don’t Let Cracks Ruin Your Asphalt

If your driveway or parking lot has visible cracks, don’t ignore them—they’re not just a cosmetic issue. In Utah’s extreme climate, even a small asphalt crack can quickly become a big, expensive problem.

This article is your go-to guide for everything related to cracks: why they happen, the difference between crack sealing and crack filling, when to act, and how to protect your asphalt from total failure.

Why Asphalt Cracks Happen (Especially in Utah)

Asphalt cracks for two main reasons: stress and environmental exposure.

Here’s what accelerates damage in cities like Ogden, Layton, and Syracuse:

• Freeze-thaw cycles: Water seeps into cracks, freezes overnight, and expands—widening gaps rapidly.
• UV damage: Utah’s high-altitude sun dries out asphalt, making it brittle.
• Dry soil and ground shifting: As the soil contracts in dry spells or swells during snowmelt, it moves the asphalt surface, creating fractures.
• Heavy loads: Frequent parking of trucks, trailers, or garbage bins stresses the asphalt and leads to cracking at pressure points.

Once a crack forms, water intrusion speeds up base layer erosion—and now you’re looking at potholes, heaving, or full replacement.

Crack Sealing vs. Crack Filling: What’s the Difference?

Most Utah homeowners and property managers think all cracks get “filled”—but that’s not quite right.

Crack sealing is the superior method for long-term durability, especially in Northern Utah where the weather swings hard between hot and cold.

How the Crack Sealing Process Works

Here’s what a proper Utah crack sealing job should look like:

1. Thorough Cleaning – Compressed air and wire brushing to remove debris and vegetation.
2. Routing (optional but ideal) – Enlarging the crack slightly to allow better sealant adhesion.
3. Hot-Pour Rubber Sealant – Heated to 375–400°F and applied with precision.
4. Sand Dusting (optional) – For faster curing and skid resistance.

When done right, the sealant flexes with your driveway or lot through seasonal expansion and contraction—keeping water and debris out.

Warning Signs You Need Crack Sealing ASAP

If you spot any of these on your asphalt surface, it’s time to act:

• Cracks wider than 1/8 inch
• “Alligator cracking” (clusters of small cracks)
• Water pooling or disappearing into cracks
• Surface starting to sink or heave near crack lines
• Cracks spreading from edges or joints

Don’t wait for spring—fall and late summer are the best times for crack sealing in Utah. That way, your asphalt is protected through winter’s freeze-thaw cycle.

Local Hotspots Where Cracks Hit Hardest

In Utah, the cities with the most aggressive crack growth typically have a mix of cold nights and warm days—leading to rapid expansion.

• Farmington & Kaysville: prone to groundwater movement and freeze heave
• Clearfield & Clinton: heavy residential traffic and older asphalt prone to joint separation
• North Ogden & Bountiful: high UV exposure and snow melt cause seasonal shifting

No matter your city, one winter without sealing can double the width of an untreated crack.

Pro Tips Most Property Owners Don’t Know

• Hairline cracks? Sealcoat can help—but only if they’re under 1/10 inch wide.
• Potholes starting to form? That’s a sign water has reached the subbase—it’s time for patching AND crack sealing.
• New asphalt? It still needs sealing. Cracks can appear within a year if the base shifts or settles.

Don’t Let Cracks Win

Asphalt cracks aren’t just a nuisance—they’re the first step in total surface breakdown. Utah’s climate makes early sealing non-negotiable if you want your driveway or parking lot to last.

By understanding the types of cracks, sealing them the right way, and acting before winter, you’ll save thousands—and keep your asphalt protected year after year.

Don’t wait for a pothole to show up. Crack sealing is your asphalt’s first (and best) line of defense.

Trust Asphalt Experts – Your Partner for Asphalt Care Excellence in Utah