Hot pour crack filler lasts longer and is ready for traffic within minutes, but it has to be melted in a melter or kettle. Cold pour crack filler goes straight from the jug into the crack with no equipment, but it takes a day or two to dry and usually needs redoing sooner. Which one fits depends on the size of your cracks, how much traffic the pavement gets, and whether you have (or want) melting equipment.
Quick comparison
| Hot pour (rubberized) | Cold pour | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Solid blocks of asphalt, rubber polymers and other additives, melted before use | Ready-to-use rubberized asphalt emulsion fortified with latex |
| How it's applied | Heated to 380–400°F in a melter or kettle, then poured into the crack | Poured directly from the container or a pour pot, then leveled with a squeegee |
| Ready for traffic | About 10–40 minutes, once it cools to air temperature | About 24–48 hours to dry completely |
| Typical lifespan | 3 to 10+ years | 1 to 2 years |
| Best for | Larger cracks, parking lots and high-traffic areas | Narrow, shallow cracks and quick DIY repairs |
| Equipment | Melter/applicator or kettle and pour pot | None beyond a pour pot or squeegee |
| Storage | 10+ year shelf life; keep out of direct sun | Do not let it freeze |
When to choose hot pour
Choose hot pour when you want a "once and done" repair. Hot rubberized filler stays flexible, so it expands and contracts with the pavement through hot summers and freeze-thaw cycles instead of cracking again. It suits larger cracks, commercial parking lots and anywhere with heavy traffic. Because it contains no water, there is nothing to cure: the crack is traffic-ready as soon as the filler cools, and you can sealcoat over it shortly after.
Our Hot Rubberized Crack Filler (Pavemade EasyMelt) comes in 20 lb blocks, is rated 6690 spec and DOT/FAA approved, and works in both direct-fire and oil-jacketed machines such as the HOTBOX 10.
When to choose cold pour
Choose cold pour for narrow, shallow cracks, small DIY jobs, or when you don't want to buy melting equipment. Mix it well, make sure the crack is clean and dry, pour it in slightly overfilled, and level it with a squeegee. Apply it when the surface and air are at least 45°F, and keep it dry until it has fully cured.
Our Cold Pour Rubberized Asphalt Crack Filler comes in 1 and 5 gallon containers and is rated for cracks up to 1" wide and ½" deep in asphalt or concrete.
Compare all asphalt crack fillers, and use the crack fill calculator to work out how much you need.
FAQ
Can I sealcoat over crack filler?
Yes, over both types. With cold pour, wait until it is completely dry (24–48 hours), because trapped water weakens the bond. With hot pour, wait until the filler has cooled to air temperature, usually 20–40 minutes.
Can I fill cracks in winter?
Fill cracks when the pavement is at least 40°F if you can. In colder weather, warming and drying the crack with a heat lance or weed torch before applying hot pour filler helps it bond.
Do I need a machine for hot pour filler?
You need something that melts it: a melter/applicator like the HOTBOX 10, or a kettle with a pour pot. Keep the material below 500°F, since prolonged high heat ages the asphalt.
Related buying guides
- How Much Crack Filler Do I Need?
- Asphalt Emulsion vs. Gilsonite Driveway Sealer: Which One Fits?
- How to Choose a Crack Filling Melter: HOTBOX 10 vs. HOTBOX 30
See all Pavemade buying guides.