For property managers and business owners across the Inland Empire, from Redlands to San Bernardino, the paved surfaces of your property are more than just a place to park. They are a significant financial asset.
However, the Southern California climate presents a unique set of challenges. The strong UV rays from the summer sun and heavy rains can damage your asphalt. A small crack can quickly become a big pothole. Your asphalt is always at risk.
Taking care of these surfaces may seem like an extra cost. However, regular crack sealing is the most cost-effective maintenance you can do. At Viking Materials, we see firsthand how proactive care saves our local contractors and property owners thousands of dollars.
In this guide, we’ll break down the financial logic behind regular crack sealing. You’ll also learn why it’s the smartest investment you can make for your infrastructure.
1. Prevents Hydraulic Action and Sub-Base Failure
The primary goal of crack sealing is to keep water out. When water enters a crack, it doesn’t just sit there; it seeps into the sub-base. That’s the foundation of your pavement. Once the foundation is saturated, it loses its ability to support weight.
In California, where we experience drastic temperature shifts between hot days and cool nights, this trapped water causes the pavement to expand and contract. Thus, leading to “alligator cracking” and eventually, total structural failure.
- The Cost Benefit: Sealing a crack costs cents per linear foot. Replacing a failed sub-base can cost up to 30 times more per square foot. By sealing early, you are protecting the foundation that holds your entire property together.
2. Protection Against the SoCal Sun: UV Protection
While we focus on water, the sun is a silent killer of asphalt in Redlands. UV rays bake the oils out of the asphalt, making it brittle and prone to “raveling” (the loss of aggregate).
- The Cost Benefit: Regular sealing (and subsequent seal coating) acts like a high-SPF sunscreen for your parking lot. It keeps the asphalt flexible, preventing the brittle “crack-and-crumble” cycle that forces early resurfacing.
3. Extends Pavement Life by 50% or More
Studies from ResearchGate and the Asphalt Institute show that a pavement maintenance program can help. Regular crack sealing can extend the life of asphalt by 10 to 15 years.
- The Cost Benefit: Consider the “Life Cycle Cost.” If you spend $100,000 on a new parking lot and it lasts 15 years without maintenance, your cost is roughly $6,666/year. If you spend $5,000 on maintenance over those years and the lot lasts 25 years, your cost drops to approximately $4,200/year. That is a massive long-term saving.
4. HelpsAvoid Liability and “Slip-and-Fall” Costs
For local business owners, a neglected parking lot is a legal liability. Deep cracks and potholes are trip hazards that can lead to expensive insurance claims or lawsuits.
- The Cost Benefit: Renting an EZ Pour Hot Rubber Melter costs $300. Buying sealant is also inexpensive. Together, these costs are much lower than paying an insurance deductible or a legal settlement. Keeping your lot smooth shows a commitment to safety and professional “curb appeal.”
Viking Materials: Solving Your Pain Points
We understand the specific hurdles faced by construction crews and property owners in the 909-area code. Whether you’re dealing with the heavy wear-and-tear of industrial machinery or simply trying to keep a retail storefront looking sharp, we provide the tools to maximize your ROI.
- For the Budget-Conscious: We offer Cold Pour Crack Fill for immediate, low-cost functional repairs.
- For the Professional Contractor: We provide high-performance Rental Equipment that allows you to deliver 8+ years of durability to your clients.
The Final Word
Regular asphalt crack sealing isn’t just a maintenance chore—it’s a high-yield investment in your property’s future. By taking a proactive approach, property owners in Redlands and throughout the Inland Empire can effectively “stop the clock” on asphalt deterioration. Every dollar spent sealing a crack today is a dollar that won’t have to be spent on much more expensive emergency repairs or total repaving projects tomorrow.
Whether you are a local business owner looking to boost curb appeal or a professional contractor striving for the highest quality results, Viking Materials is here to support you. We don’t just provide tools; we provide solutions that keep your infrastructure and your budget intact.
