Many DFW property owners confuse crack filling and sealcoating — or assume one replaces the other. They're actually complementary services that work best together. Here's a clear breakdown of what each does and when you need them.
Crack filling is the process of injecting hot-pour rubberized material into cracks in the asphalt surface. This seals the crack, preventing water from penetrating the pavement base. Water intrusion is the primary cause of potholes and base failure in DFW — once water gets under your asphalt, freeze-thaw cycles and traffic load cause rapid deterioration. Crack filling stops this process.
Sealcoating applies a protective coating over the entire asphalt surface. It protects against UV oxidation, oil and chemical spills, and water penetration through the surface layer. Sealcoating restores the dark appearance of fresh asphalt, dramatically improves curb appeal, and extends the life of the pavement. However, sealcoat alone won't fix existing cracks — it simply coats over them.
The proper sequence is: crack fill first, then sealcoat. Filling cracks before sealing prevents water intrusion at the crack points and gives the sealer a smooth, consistent surface to bond to. Skipping crack filling and only sealing is like painting over rust — it looks better temporarily but the underlying damage continues. Doing crack filling first is the single most important step for a long-lasting sealcoat job.
If your lot has large potholes, alligator cracking across wide areas, or areas where the base has failed, simple crack filling and sealcoating won't solve the problem. These situations require patching or full-depth reclamation before maintenance can be effective. We'll assess your lot honestly and recommend the right approach.
We recommend waiting 24-48 hours after crack filling to ensure the rubberized filler has fully cured before applying sealer over it.
Hot-pour crack filling works best on cracks up to 1 inch wide. Larger gaps may require saw-cutting, cleaning, and filling with cold patch or other repair material before sealing.
Crack filling repairs existing cracks but doesn't prevent new ones from forming due to pavement movement, heavy traffic, or age. Regular sealcoating slows the oxidation process that leads to cracking.