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Asphalt Crack Sealing & Pothole Repair in Escondido
Water is what turns a crack into a pothole. Repairing small problems early is far cheaper than rebuilding later. Tell us what you're seeing and we'll connect you with a licensed local contractor.
(760) 759-6473Free to request · No obligation · Licensed contractors only
Reading the damage
- Single straight cracks: often from age and shrinkage. Usually a candidate for crack sealing.
- Spider-web (alligator) cracking: usually means the base underneath has failed in that area. Sealing won't hold. It needs to be cut out and rebuilt.
- Potholes: what alligator cracking becomes once pieces break loose.
- Sunken areas or edges breaking off: soft base, poor drainage or unsupported edges.
How repairs are done
Crack sealing typically uses a hot-applied rubberized sealant that stays flexible as the pavement expands and contracts. It's meant to keep water out of the base.
For failed areas, the proper repair is a saw-cut patch: cutting a clean square around the damage, digging out the failed material, rebuilding and compacting the base, and paving the patch. Cold patch from a bag can get you through a few weeks but isn't a lasting fix.
Fix it before the rain
Most of San Diego County's rain falls in winter. Getting cracks sealed and failed spots patched in late summer or fall keeps the base dry when it matters most.
FAQ
Crack Sealing & Pothole Repair Questions
Can I just fill the cracks myself?
Small, single cracks can be filled with store-bought filler as a stopgap. Alligator cracking and potholes are base failures, and DIY fills over them don't last. A contractor can tell you which cracks are worth sealing and which areas need to be cut out.
Is it worth repairing an old driveway or should I replace it?
If damage is limited to a few areas and the rest of the surface is sound, repairs plus sealcoating are usually the better value. If cracking covers much of the driveway, resurfacing or replacement may cost less over time.
Ready to get your paving quote?
Get connected with a licensed paving contractor in Escondido, San Marcos, Vista and North County.