LIMA — The Allen County Engineer’s road crew are working at preserving roads in Allen County. One effective way of maintaining the roads is crack sealing/patching.
Crack sealing is done on roads that are in fair to good condition. Over time, cracks become potholes and potholes can become craters, if not filled. The sealing of the cracks results in black squiggly lines on the road.
“Crack sealing extends the life of the asphalt. It prevents moisture from getting down into the cracks and prevents potholes from forming,” said Pat Langhals, west side road foreman. “We usually like to do it within two years after putting new asphalt down.”
Before putting the crack sealant down, the cracks are cleaned using high pressure air. After blowing the cracks clean, the polymer liquid asphalt seal fills the cracks up.
Traffic can usually drive on the road after a short while of drying time.
“It needs to cool before traffic drives on it. If it doesn’t cool, it will pull right back up with the tires. For busier intersections that we need to get traffic on right away we can spray a soap type spray which de-tacks it quickly,” said Darin Leis, Allen County Road Superintendent.
The weather plays a large role on when cars can drive on a newly crack sealed road.
“On a day like this, sunny, it’s going to stay tacky longer, but normally within 15 minutes to 20 minutes if not sooner, it all depends on the weather how quickly it sets,” Leis said.
