Asphalt Crack Filler

Browse the hot rubbeirzed crack filler and cold pour driveway crack filler collection. 

Looking for Asphalt Crack Filling Machines? We have them under the Crack Filling Equipment Section.

What is hot crack filler?

Hot crack filler is the preferred method in comparison to cold crack fillers. Hot asphalt crack filling, sometimes called hot tar crack filling or sealing, is a generic term that describes a hot melt method to fill asphalt pavement cracks - although concrete cracks can be filled with this same type of crack filler, it is not usually desired due to the asphalt rubber's darker color. The hot crack filler listed here is a rubber containing sealant that should be heated to around 400º with asphalt melting equipment and applied with crack filling machines. Most contractors prefer hot crack filler over cold pour because the hot melt asphalt sealant allows traffic in less than 30 minutes of laying it down, compared to hours with cold. If you are looking for equipment to melt down and apply this asphalt crack filler, we sell that too!

What's the difference between Hot Crack Filler and Cold Crack Filler?

So what is the difference between hot crack filler and cold crack filler? And which one should I choose?

Cold pour crack filler on the market is usually made from asphalt emulsion with some elastic content added in. The content is similar to a driveway sealer and contains some water content. That's why there will be some shrinkage after curing. It takes 24-48 hours for cold crack filler to dry completely. It will not hold up in high traffic areas, but for foot traffic and diy crack repair projects it is a popular choice. We offer rubberized cold pour crack filler options in our diy driveway repair section.

Be aware that some cold crack fillers are acrylic based, and they dry to a hard, inflexible solid. They lack the pliability to expand or contract with changing temperatures. Frequently, this lack of flexibility results in the failure of the repair as the plug can be ejected when the surrounding ground freezes.

Hot pour crack sealer start out as a solid that is melted at the site until it is liquid. It is then applied hot and allowed to cool for a few minutes before applying a pavement sealer. Hot-pour sealants dry to a spongy, elastic solid. This pliability allows them to expand or contract as the ground freezes and thaws. Hot pour crack sealer bonds tightly to the asphalt to which it's applied and shrinkage is minimal.

While cold pour fillers are normally reserved for residential driveways or emergency repairs that are intended as a stop-gap or temporary measure, hot pour crack filler is preferred by the majority of municipalities, commercial property owners, and federal and state transportation agencies.

While cold pour sealer cannot be used when the temperature falls below a certain point as the colder temperatures will not allow the moisture in the sealant to evaporate properly, hot pour sealer can be used under virtually any weather conditions that permit asphalt to be worked safely.

How much crack filler do I need?

Generally speaking, a standard driveway uses about 6 blocks. A long driveway or a small parking lot uses about 12 blocks. If you are still unsure how much you need for your crack fill project, use our crack fill calculator here to calculate how many LBS of crack filler you need. 

How soon can you drive on newly filled cracks?

Hot crack filler is traffic ready as soon as it cools down enough to become not tacky anymore, which takes 10-45 minutes depending on the weather. In cold weather the melted crack filler cools faster. To test, you can use a stick to poke the filler sealant; if it does not tack to the stick then you are ready for foot traffic. Give it an additional few minutes for vehicle traffic.  

Should I pour sand over filled cracks?

Can I use regular sand on top of cracks?

Can I fill driveway cracks in the winter?

It depends on where you are. It is recommended to fill cracks when pavement is at least 40°F. That being said it is still possible to fill cracks in cold weather by heating up the pavement using a heat lance or a weed torch. Torching the cracks prior to crack filling also makes sure the crack walls are completely void of moisture.

What temperature should I apply hot pour crack filler at?

380 - 400°F (193 - 204°C). Try to keep the crackfill machine's temperature under 500°F as prolonged exposure to high heat will oxidize and age the asphalt in the crack filler.

Does hot crack filler expire? 
How long can I keep unused crack filler?

Generally speaking, unlike cold crack filler which is emulsified with water, hot crack filler does not "expire". Most hot asphalt crack filler has a shelf life of 10 years or more. If stored outside, make sure to keep unboxed sealants out of direct sunlight as UV damage is one major factor that ages the sealant. In addition prolonged high temperature can accelerate asphalt aging so when the weather gets hot it may be a good idea to bring the crack filler indoors or to a cool shady place. 

Can you sealcoat over the filled cracks?

Yes - it is recommended! Both hot rubber asphalt crack filler and cold pour crack filler cracks can be sealed over with a driveway sealer. To give your driveway cracks the best asphalt repair you can, it is more effective to add a sealant after the filling has been done.

Sealcoating adds an extra layer of protection to your asphalt driveway or parking lots as sealing protects asphalt cracks from deteriorating or re-cracking.

Driveways can be sealed either with a spray system or squeegee, depending on your individual preference and sealcoating needs. While spray sealcoating systems can be quicker and offer an even seal, a squeegee can push the sealant deeper into the surface and offer more protection.

After crack filling, how soon can you seal coat?

For liquid cold pour crack filler , it is important to let the sealant dry completely before spraying or squeegeeing on seal coat, as trapped water will affect bonding later. It takes cold crack filler 24 to 48 hours to completely dry.

For hot pour crack filler, as there is no water in the formula it is ready for seal coat application much sooner, usually in 20-40 minutes. It is important to let the hot crack filler cool down to ambient temperature prior to applying driveway sealer. 

When melting the hot pour crack filler, does the plastic wrapper go inside the melter kettle?

Yes. The plastic wrapper is designed to melt together with the hot crack filler inside the kettle. 

Does the hot pour crack filler work with latex paint?

Use with caution. The rubber asphalt will bond to the paint. However the paint might peel off the pavement over time. 

How many blocks can a 10 gallon melter take?

Each block of hot asphalt crack filler melts down to about 2.5 gallons. So 3 to 4 blocks can go in the 10 gallon crack filling machine melted, or 6-12 blocks in the 30 gallon crack melter kettle. 

Each pound of hot crack filler covers about 7-8 linear feet of medium width cracks. Each crack filler block covers about 150 linear feet of medium cracks, or 200 linear feet of small cracks. It is recommended that for large and deep pavement cracks, fill the crack with silica sand till about half inch to the pavement surface prior to pouring crack filler product. This gives better structural support as well as using the crack filler more efficiently.

If you are unsure, you can use our crack filler and sealcoat calculators here to calculate how many LBS of crack filler product you need.

Asphalt crack filler is the preferred method of contractors to fill cracks and potholes in all asphalt surfaces. There are two main options - hot crack filler and cold pour crack filler - both of which offer professional grade repairs.

Hot crack filler requires melting at high temperatures before it is applied to the cracked surface using an applicator such as a pour pot. This offers the highest standard of asphalt repair available as hot filler dries to a spongy, elastic solid - meaning its pliability allows the repair to contract and expand with extreme temperature changes, giving more protection against future damage.

Cold pour crack filler is ready-to-use and can be poured directly from the container or using a piece of equipment called an applicator. The premium grade sealant is emulsion based and fortified with latex and fillers and is better than most market alternatives. It must be mixed well before use and poured directly into asphalt cracks, and takes up to 36 hours to fully cure.

Specialized 2-in-1 machines such as our HOTBOX 10 are both melters and applicators. These professional grade pieces of equipment continuously maintain the correct temperature for hot crack filler and can also be used with cold pour fillers.

Crack filler is designed to protect against water damage, UV rays, and heavy traffic - but our Asphalt Cold Patch can offer a similar degree of protection with amazing results.

Got a cracked driveway? We have the best asphalt crack fillers for any driveway repair needs. Our range of hot rubberized crack filler and cold pour crack filler will have your entire driveway looking like new in no time.