If you are planning to sealcoat your residential driveway or commercial parking lot in Middle Tennessee, one critical question will determine whether your investment lasts for years or washes away with the next heavy storm: Should you fill cracks before sealcoating?
The short, unequivocal answer is: YES. Absolutely, 100%. Skipping crack filling before applying sealcoat is the #1 mistake property owners make—and unfortunately, it is also the most common shortcut taken by unvetted cut-rate contractors.
Why Sealcoat Alone CANNOT Fix Cracks
To understand why crack filling is non-negotiable, you must understand the difference between sealcoating and crack filler:
- Asphalt Sealcoat is a thin liquid emulsion slurry designed to protect the top layer of asphalt from UV oxidation, sun bleaching, and light surface oil drips. It is applied at liquid consistency and cures into a rigid membrane. It is not designed to bridge structural voids.
- Hot Rubberized Crack Sealant is a thick, highly flexible polymer-modified asphalt compound applied at 375°F to 400°F directly into open cracks. It expands and contracts with thermal temperature changes throughout Tennessee's freezing winters and blistering summers.
Key Takeaway for Middle Tennessee Property Owners
If you pour liquid sealcoat over an open crack without rubber crack sealant underneath, the sealcoat will dry, bridge the gap briefly, and crack wide open within weeks as soon as vehicle traffic drives over it or temperature shifts occur.
What Happens When Water Penetrates Unfilled Cracks?
In Williamson, Davidson, Rutherford, and Maury counties, rain water is the ultimate enemy of asphalt pavement. When open cracks are left unsealed:
- Water seeps into the sub-base aggregate foundation: The gravel base beneath your asphalt softens and washes away.
- Freeze-thaw cycles create massive pressure: In winter, trapped water freezes, expands, and pushes the pavement upward from below.
- Heavy vehicle traffic crushes the void: Deprived of solid base support, the asphalt collapses under car tires, turning a minor $50 crack into a $1,500 saw-cut pothole repair.
The First Due 4-Step Professional Crack Sealing Process
At First Due Sealcoat & Striping, we never cut corners. Our crack filling process takes place prior to sealcoating:
- Step 1 - Heat Lance Cleaning: We blast cracks with 200+ MPH compressed air and intense heat to incinerate weeds, dirt, and moisture.
- Step 2 - Hot Rubber Melt (400°F): Commercial direct-fire kettles liquefy rubberized oil compound for deep penetration.
- Step 3 - Flush Squeegee Leveling: We strike the crack flush to prevent snowplow or tire catch.
- Step 4 - Dual Coat Sealcoating: Once cured, two coats of industrial sealcoat are applied across the entire surface for a seamless jet-black look.
Ready to protect your pavement the right way?
Call First Due Sealcoat & Striping at (615) 882-4907 for a free upfront price quote in Spring Hill, Franklin, Nashville, Murfreesboro, and surrounding Middle TN!
Published by First Due Sealcoat & Striping
Spring Hill & Middle TN Pavement Specialists
Locally owned, licensed & insured contractor serving Williamson, Davidson, Rutherford & Maury Counties.