Crack Sealing in Southeast Michigan
D&J Contracting seals pavement cracks across commercial properties in Macomb County and Metro Detroit. Hot-applied sealant stops water infiltration and extends pavement life significantly.
Licensed & Insured
Local Michigan Crews
38+ Years Experience
Crack Sealing vs Crack Filling: Understanding the Difference
Both services use hot-pour materials to seal cracks in asphalt, but they're applied differently and perform best in different situations.
Crack Sealing involves routing the crack first — cutting a defined channel into the pavement — before applying flexible sealant. This creates better adhesion and accommodates the crack moving with seasonal temperature changes. Crack sealing is the recommended approach for:
- Working cracks that open and close with temperature changes
- Longitudinal cracks along the centerline of a lane or travel path
- Cracks in high-stress areas like turning lanes and entrances
Crack Filling applies hot-pour material directly into the crack without routing. It's appropriate for non-working cracks that don't move significantly. Crack filling is faster and less expensive per linear foot.
In many commercial maintenance programs, a combination approach is used — routing and sealing high-movement cracks, filling lower-stress cracks in the same visit. We assess each crack and apply the appropriate method.
Both methods use commercial-grade hot-pour rubberized materials, not consumer cold-pour products that crack in Michigan winters.
When Should You Schedule Crack Sealing?
The best window for crack sealing in Michigan is spring through early fall, when pavement temperatures are consistently above 50°F and the cracks are not at their widest opening. Sealing when cracks are at mid-width — not their seasonal maximum — provides the best adhesion and flexibility range for the sealant.
As part of a pavement maintenance program: schedule crack sealing every 2-4 years, ideally combined with sealcoating. The combination of sealed cracks and surface protection provides the most comprehensive defense against water infiltration and oxidation damage.
"The routing step makes a real difference on high-movement cracks. A crack that opens and closes an eighth of an inch through the seasons needs sealant that's bonded to a clean wall and has room to flex. Without routing, the filler just gets sheared off the crack edge after a few cycles. We do it right or we don't do it at all."
— David Koback, Owner, D&J Contracting, Inc.
Proudly Serving Macomb County and Metro Detroit
D&J Contracting has served commercial clients across Southeast Michigan since 1988. Our crews operate throughout Macomb County and the greater Metro Detroit region, including Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Warren, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe, Fraser, Mount Clemens, and surrounding communities.
All work is performed by our own MDOT-prequalified crews. We never subcontract.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crack routing and why is it done?
Routing cuts a clean, uniform channel into the pavement along the crack path. This removes loose material, creates a defined width and depth, and provides a clean bonding surface for the sealant. Routed seals last significantly longer than direct-fill applications on working cracks.
How long does crack sealant last after routing?
Properly routed and sealed cracks typically hold for 5-8 years depending on traffic, crack movement, and weather exposure. Direct crack filling without routing typically lasts 3-5 years in similar conditions.
Can crack sealing prevent potholes?
Yes — sealing cracks before water infiltrates the base is the primary way to prevent pothole formation. Potholes develop when water enters cracked pavement, weakens the base, and then freezes and expands. Sealing the entry point removes the mechanism.
Should I combine crack sealing with sealcoating?
Yes. The standard commercial maintenance sequence is: crack seal (or fill) first, then sealcoat. Sealcoating over unsealed cracks bridges them but doesn't structurally seal them. The combination of sealed cracks and sealcoated surface provides maximum protection.
Need Asphalt Crack Sealing Before Winter?
D&J Contracting is Southeast Michigan’s trusted commercial contractor. We respond to estimate requests within one business day and provide written quotes at no cost.
Call (586) 954-0008 or request an estimate online.