A handy guide for repairing cracks
Cracks and blisters in surfaces like asphalt, roofing, and brick walls are common, mainly due to weather exposure, general wear and tear and ageing. Small cracks can worsen over time and cause serious damage if left untreated. Sealing cracks is essential: it prevents further deterioration, keeps out water and moisture, and extends the life of the material. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to repair cracks in asphalt, roofing, and brick walls using the right Aquaplan products.
Part 1: Repairing cracks in asphalt
Asphalt is tough and weather-resistant, but heavy use, water infiltration and temperature changes can lead to cracks or potholes over time. Timely and proper repairs can prevent further damage and make the surface safe and ready for intense use again.
Why do cracks appear in asphalt?
Cracks in asphalt are usually caused by:
- Weather conditions: Asphalt contracts at low temperatures and expands with heat. This creates stress and eventually leads to cracks.
- Heavy loads: Constant traffic and heavy vehicles apply pressure to the asphalt, causing the material to wear down and sometimes crack.
- Water infiltration: When water seeps into cracks and freezes, it expands and causes further damage.
How to assess the damage and choose the right repair method
Before making any repairs, it’s important to determine how severe the damage is:
- Superficial cracks: These are minor cracks that can be filled with Road Repair Asphalt Refresh. This bitumen emulsion revitalises the old asphalt and fills in cracks and gaps, preventing water or frost from damaging the asphalt. It also contains special fillers that give the new asphalt layer an anti-slip finish.
- Deeper cracks or potholes: Use Road Repair Asphalt Filler, which is specially designed to repair deep cracks and potholes effectively. It’s a ready-to-use and easy-to-apply cold asphalt for the immediate repair, resurfacing and filling of potholes and gaps in asphalt roads and paths, driveways, car parks, footpaths, etc.
Part 2: Repairing cracks in roofing
Roof coverings are constantly exposed to changing weather conditions, making them vulnerable to cracks and other damage, often with unpleasant consequences, such as leaks and structural issues. Repairing the damage in time prevents rainwater from seeping in and weakening the roof structure.
Types of roofing cracks and their causes
Cracks in your roofing can appear for several reasons, including weather exposure, general wear and tear, and poor installation. Depending on the material (bitumen, PVC, etc.), cracks may look different and have different causes:
- Fine hairline cracks: Often caused by the drying out of roofing materials due to UV exposure and temperature fluctuations.
- Deeper cracks and blisters: Common in older roofing or flat roofs with high water loads. These can lead to water ingress through larger openings.
- Blisters: Usually caused by moisture trapped under the roofing layer. Poor ventilation or leaks in the structure underneath are often to blame.
By tackling these issues early, you can avoid more serious damage and potential leaks.
Everything you need to repair cracks in your roofing
With the right products, you can quickly and effectively seal cracks. The following Aquaplan products offer solutions for different types of cracks:
- Roof Repair Regular: A flexible, waterproof repair paste ideal for sealing cracks, tears and blisters in roofs and gutters. Also perfect for waterproofing roof details.
- Anti-Crack: This fleece provides additional reinforcement when repairing blisters, cracks and tears. The reinforcement fleece, made of high-quality polyester, absorbs structural tension between materials to ensure long-lasting waterproofing.
- Roof Repair Wet: A flexible, waterproof repair paste that instantly seals all leaks in roofs and gutters. It works in all weather conditions, even under water.
- Roof Seal Mastic: A flexible, waterproof sealant for repairing cracks, tears and blisters in roofs and gutters or for waterproofing roof details. It’s weatherproof and extremely durable.
How to get started
Repairing cracks in your roofing is a lot easier with the right instructions. Aquaplan offers a detailed step-by-step plan for repairing cracks, tears and blisters in your flat roof that guides you through each step, from preparation to finishing touches.
Prefer a visual guide? Our how-to video demonstrates a repair using Roof Repair Regular. Watch the video here.
Part 3: Repairing cracks in brick walls
Cracks in brick walls are a common issue, especially in older buildings. They may be related to foundation problems, moisture or structural issues. While not every crack is serious, it’s important to repair them promptly to prevent further damage and to keep your walls strong and watertight.
Why do cracks appear in brick walls?
Cracks in brick walls can develop for several reasons:
- Foundation settling: When a building moves or settles, cracks often appear in walls, especially in older buildings or those with weak foundations.
- Climate conditions: Moisture and fluctuating temperatures cause bricks to expand and contract. Over time, this leads to cracking.
- Ageing and wear and tear: After years of exposure to the elements, joints between bricks can deteriorate, making brickwork more vulnerable to splitting and cracking.
The solution? Wall Protect Quick Joint
Wall Protect Quick Joint is the ideal product for repairing joints in brick walls and cracks in concrete. This ready-to-use grout is easy to apply with a standard caulking gun, dries quickly, and provides a durable, waterproof seal. It adheres strongly to most building materials and becomes rain-resistant after just a few hours. Wall Protect Quick Joint can also be sanded and painted for a clean, finished look.
Aquaplan, your reliable partner for sealing cracks
Whether you’re repairing cracks in asphalt, roofing, or brick walls, Aquaplan offers the right products for long-lasting, waterproof solutions that protect your home from further damage. Buy your Aquaplan products from a retailer near you!
