Asphalt crack melter

Types of asphalt crack melters

An asphalt crack melter repairs and prevents road damage by melting and removing the debris present in cracks, including ice, dirt, and plant roots. It prepares the crack for sealing using heated sealant. Melting the asphalt to fill the cracks saves the road from further damage.

These machines set the fill material up to 400F, so it can be quickly poured into the cracks. They can use propane, electric, or diesel heat to melt the asphalt. Ensuring the machine has even heat distribution is essential. Starting at the bottom of the crack is crucial to ensure that the top does not seal first, causing moisture to get trapped inside and leading to further damage.

A pothole repair machine can fill in cracks from 1/4th of an inch, which is considered hairline, to a full inch. There are different types of crack sealers and melters based on the size of the crack being repaired:

• Crack Sealing Truck

  This is a large vehicle that can repair cracks up to 1 inch and is used when there are significant amounts of pavement breakdown and cracks. It can hold up to 200 gallons of sealant mix and can also be used for striping and hotspot asphalt crack sealing. The advantage of a vehicle like this is that it can cover up to 2000-3000 ft/hour of crack sealing. It is also much more economical to use, as four to five gallons of sealant will be used per foot.

• Van Body Melter

  The van body melter can hold 100 gallons of crack filler and is a smaller vehicle. It can cover approximately 1200-1500 ft/hour of crack sealing. This is a great option when using the van for mobile and on-demand asphalt crack sealing work. The van body melter is very economical, as only two to three gallons of sealant are required per foot.

• Crack Sealing Kettle

  When using a kettle to do the crack sealing, a smaller hand wand or router will be used. The kettle can be a direct fire or an indirect fire asphalt crack sealing kettle with a rubberized hot pour crack sealant pump. It is ideal for pre-paving crack sealing and irregular crack filling. It can also be used for asphalt repair and is a good option when it is required to seal 1/8 inch to 1 inch wide cracks. The kettle's size and heating unit will determine how quickly it can be used to fill in cracks. Usually, it is filled with 200 gallons of material. It is a cost-efficient method to fill up to 4000 ft of crack in an hour.

Specification and maintenance of asphalt crack melters

The specifications of an asphalt crack filler melter are closely related to its applications. However, the key asphalt melter filler specs include the capacity, the material, the thickness of the tank, the heating system, and the temperature control.

The capacity of asphalt melter crack fillers is shown in gallons (e.g., 10-300 gallons or more). Generally, bigger capacities are more suited for large-scale projects and vice versa. Remember that the size of the asphalt melter also determines how many hot-pour crack fillers can be melted at once. For instance, a 50-gallon melter can fill approximately 6,000 bottles of crack filler.

The material of the asphalt melter describes its overall build. Asphalt crack fillers can be constructed from aluminum or steel. Steel is more durable than aluminum; thus, it is more suited for industrial-scale melters.

The heating system is crucial for ensuring asphalt crack filler is melted and maintained at the right temperature. Asphalt crack filler melters can have direct or indirect heating systems. While direct heating melts material faster, it leads to uneven temperatures and burns. Asphalt crack fillers with indirect heating systems are more consistent and provide safer options, but they are slower.

The temperature control regulates and monitors the temperature of the asphalt crack filler material. Advanced crack fillers come with digital thermostats that automatically adjust the temperature when required. Some models might even have safety features that turn off the heater whenever temperatures exceed a certain limit.

Maintaining an asphalt crack melter should be straightforward as long as the correct procedure is followed. Firstly, always read the manual before using or cleaning the melter. The manual contains instructions and warnings on tasks the manufacturer recommends and those they don’t. Secondly, always clean the melter after use. When doing so, only use the appropriate solvents. If required, scrape the insides gently with a plastic scraper. Thirdly, ensure that any moving parts of the melter are lubricated in a timely manner. Inspect the melter regularly for signs of damages or cracks and address issues immediately to avoid further risks or malfunctions.

Scenarios of Asphalt Crack Melters

Asphalt crack melters are versatile machines used primarily for sealing cracks in asphalt roads. However, their usage scenarios are not limited to just road maintenance alone; they extend to various sectors that require proper sealing and strengthening of asphalt surfaces.

• Road Repairs and Maintenance: The most common application of asphalt melters is in road repairs and maintenance. Melters are used to seal existing cracks in the road to prevent further deterioration. By sealing the cracks, they also prevent water from seeping into the base of the asphalt, which could cause more damage once freeze-thaw occurs.
• Parking Lots: Just like asphalt roads, parking lots tend to develop cracks over time. This is especially true if the parking lot is exposed to harsh weather conditions such as high temperatures and frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Using an asphalt crack filler melter to seal the parking lot can help extend its life considerably and prevent expensive repairs down the line.
• Airport Taxiways and Runways: Asphalt melters play a crucial role in maintaining airport runways and taxiways. Cracks in these high-traffic areas can lead to further cracking, potholes, and even disastrous situations such as an airplane not being able to land safely. Regular sealing of these areas with an asphalt melter ensures that the runway or taxiway remains safe for use by airplanes.
• Mountain and Hill Roads: Roads located in hilly or mountainous regions are more susceptible to damage due to natural causes. Water seeping into the cracks can wash away the underlying base of the asphalt. Using an asphalt melter crack filler early on can prevent this kind of damage from occurring and save the road from costly repairs.
• Shopping Complexes and Storefronts: Just like parking lots, shopping complexes and storefronts are high-traffic areas that tend to develop cracks over time. An asphalt melter can be used to fill these cracks before they become larger and more difficult to repair.
• Playgrounds and Sports Fields: Asphalt is often used in playgrounds and sports fields for surfaces such as running tracks and basketball courts. Over time, cracks can develop on these surfaces, posing a hazard to children and athletes. An asphalt melter can be used to fill these cracks and prevent further damage from occurring.

How to choose asphalt crack melters

• Job requirements analysis

  First, determine the size, frequency, and types of road maintenance tasks undertaken. For example, the size and number of potholes that need to be filled in a month will impact the capacity asphalt crack filling machines need to meet demands.

• Evaluation of portable melters

  Consider purchasing portable units such as the handheld asphalt melter pot that can melt small batches of asphalt in pots. Their portability allows operators to bring them directly to repair sites. Selecting a unit with good insulation will help keep temperatures stable during asphalt supply. Evaluate the insulation and temperature control capability of the unit to ensure consistent performance.

• Choosing the right kettle

  When selecting kettle-type crack fill asphalt melters, focus on the following features. The adjustable heat settings allow greater flexibility and can accommodate different asphalt products and temperature requirements. The insulation helps retain heat and reduces energy consumption, while the kettle materials and build quality impact durability and heat distribution.

• Assessing dump trucks

  Analyzing dump truck kettles is slightly different since these trucks can transport large quantities of hot asphalt. When reviewing their specifications, consider features like the heater output, insulation, and material used. Ensure that the kettle can handle the volume and temperature required for projects. The combination of dump trucks and asphalt crack filling kettles provides an efficient means to cover extensive areas

• Safety features evaluation

  Crack filling is a sensitive operation, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety of workers. Therefore, apart from the performance parameters, it is equally important to examine the safety features of the asphalt melter. Look for machines with features like insulated handles that prevent burns and temperature gauges so that the operator can control the temperature inside the tank. Additionally, potholes should be marked to warn drivers and avoid accidents.

Asphalt crack melter Q andamp; A

Q: Why is asphalt crack sealing important?

A: If left unattended, asphalt cracks can grow and become more extensive. Water can get into the pavement's base, which can cause serious damage. By sealing the cracks, not only will the parking lot or roadway look better, but the service life of the pavement can be extended, perhaps by 5 to 10 years or more.

Q: What kind of cracks should be sealed?

A: Typically, asphalt shrinkage cracks should be sealed. These are longitudinal and transverse cracks. Cracks more than 1-inch wide should not be sealed. Those may indicate more serious issues in the pavement that could also be affecting the foundation.

Q: What materials can be melted with an asphalt crack melter?

A: This machine is typically made to melt rubberized asphalt and other crack-fill materials. It may or may not be suitable for melting other materials.

Q: How does an asphalt crack filler differ from an asphalt crack sealer?

A: While the terms asphalt crack filler and asphalt crack Sealer may seem interchangeable, they carry distinctive meanings. The former refers to the substance employed to mend cracks in asphalt or concrete pavements, thereby thwarting further degradation. These fillers are commonly crafted from asphalt, rubber, or a combination of both. On the other hand, an asphalt crack sealer denotes the procedure intended to safeguard asphalt surfaces from damage induced by water, oil, and other contaminants. By preventing the infiltration of these harmful substances into the cracks, the sealer plays a pivotal role in lengthening the lifespan of the pavement. In essence, the asphalt crack filler serves as a repair agent for the cracks, while the crack sealer acts as a protective shield for the asphalt pavement. Both components are crucial to maintaining the pavement's integrity and durability in the long run.