Cracks previously sealed cannot be routed as old sealant binds to cutter bits and damage to equipment and operator injury might
occur. In these cases cracks are blown free of foreign materials and otherwise sealed in a normal fashion.
Blow & Go - not recommended
The simplest and least effective method is to "blow and go." It is performed just as it sounds. The operator blows out debris, dirt, and foreign materials from
cracks and fills them in as best possible with sealant. When choosing this method, understand that most sealant remains on top exposed to the elements and
everyday wear and tear. Traffic and plows, and pedestrians tends to wreak havoc by pulling out and scraping off the exposed sealant. In addition, sealant that does make it down into the crack has gritty, rough, unprepared surfaces which do not promote optimum bonding surfaces. This technique is not recommended by Gee Asphalt Systems.
Rout & Flush Pour - recommended most often
The Rout & Flush Pour method is our most favored method for sealing cracks. Sealant is carefully placed into the routed, dried and prepared crack, filling up from the bottom, and stopping when the sealant is flush with the surface. Generally speaking this prevents most damage from traffic, plows and pedestrians, and is the most effective and most attractive. This is the preferred method for finishing the crack sealing "look" and is the method Gee Asphalt recommends most often.
Rout & Overband - second choice
The Rout & Overband method is our next most common method for sealing cracks, particularly those previously sealed that cannot be routed. Sealant is carefully placed into the dried and prepared crack, filling up from the bottom, and squeegeeing the sealant flush with the surface. This minimizes most damage from traffic, plows, and pedestrians but is less attractive and is the second most recommended crack sealing finish.
Backer Rod (optional pre-step)
Overly deep cracks may require backer rod or suitable backfilling materials like sand. Keeping sealant material waste to a minimum is the main goal. Backing materials are chosen based on how well each method will perform this task, according to the circumstances, when also balanced with it's cost. The primary objective is to keep the sealant in place during the cure process.
Crack sealing can be performed as a stand-alone process or completed prior to application of quality surface preservation treatments. When properly installed, hot applied crack sealants will last for years to come, protecting your pavement investment.
Crack sealing is just one of several integral components in an overall preservation strategy. Always work with reputable contractors who have a known track record that you can trust! Our knowledgeable staff will gladly assist you in determining what your needs are as well as addressing any questions you may have.
GSB-88 & GSB-78 SEALER BINDER for STREETS, ROADS, HIGHWAYS, AIRPORTS, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, RETAIL, and SHOPPING CENTERS
Preventing oxidation of the asphalt binder in your pavement is a "first priority" and is critical to pavement longevity. Crack sealing can be performed as a stand-alone process or completed prior to application of quality surface preservation treatments. Timely installation of a quality Sealer Binder preservation process like GSB significantly delays the onset and severity of the pavement aging process. GSB is your best defense, and GSB is also a superior offense!
Currently two high quality Gilsonite Resin based Sealer Binder products that literally withstand the test of time are ready to lead your preservation strategy. GSB-78, is solvent borne (cutback) and is used primarily on commercial pavements. GSB-88, is water borne (complex asphalt emulsion) and is typically applied to streets, roads, highways, airports and large commercial projects. Both GSB products are made from premium grade Gilsonite asphalt resin.
GILSONITE RESIN
Gilsonite resin is a naturally occurring mineral asphalt cement found only in Vernal Utah. Gilsonite is most easily described as petrified asphalt cement, very high in nitrogen content and polar compounds. Gilsonite is re-liquefied and blended with specific plasticizers and diluents to form environmentally friendly, E.P.A. tested GSB product lines. Gilsonite is extremely tough and slow to weather and age, and has superior binding, adhesion, and water stripping resistance than any other refined asphalt cement. Period!. Gilsonite improves upon all the most desirable ac properties while also being very green for environment. Gilsonite was made naturally, by Mother Nature!
Laboratory tests and field research prove Gilsonite fortified GSB Sealer Binder out performs every other asphalt emulsion (polymer modified too) in wet track abrasion tests, increased permeability, reduced viscosity, and reduction of oxidation processes. As proven, there just is not other preservation treatments available today that perform as well as GSB.
HOW DOES GSB WORK?
GSB is designed for maximum penetration, soaking down in and adding powerful bonding and anti-aging properties deep into the surface of asphalt pavement. Regardless of traffic counts, snow plows or the most heavy vehicles GSB still does it's job without compromise. Even airfield FOD (Foreign Object Damage) is eliminated in one inexpensive application of GSB-88!
GSB cures:
- Failing chip seals
- Distressed slurry coatings (chipping, peeling, or raveling)
- Airfield FOD (Foreign Object Damage)
- Surface defects (cracking and delaminating)
GSB corrects these surface defects by absorbing into the surface and re-binding loose aggregates back together again. Since GSB penetrates all the way down into the surface of the pavement, damage from traffic, plows, and pedestrians, and friction wear are not a factor and do not effect the performance of GSB. Normal life-cycle applications for GSB last from 4 to 6 years!
Not just a coating.
Because GSB penetrates through and becomes part of the surface of asphalt pavement, grooved runways or roadways need not be regrooved, nor are PFC (porous friction course) asphalt surfaces altered. During thermal expansion and contraction cycles GSB expands and moves at the same rate as asphalt pavement because it is asphalt cement! In comparison, asphalt emulsions, coal-tar emulsions, slurry coatings, and driveway seal coats lay up on the surface and are based on lower quality components. These coatings do not penetrate into the pavement and therefore performance is tied directly to how much is left on top to protect the pavement. Many such coatings also cause surface defects such as cracking, peeling, and delaminating as a result of components in the coating mixture that are incompatible with asphalt pavement. GSB will never crack, peel or delaminate because it is made from Gilsonite resin, a natural asphalt binder.
Sooner is best.
GSB as part of a sound preservation treatment can be applied immediately following construction well before pavements begin to show signs of age and oxidation. This way, pavements can be preserved in their original condition!
According to FHWA research data, sooner is better. Up to 80% of pavement flexibility is lost during the first five years. When the aging process is halted early in the life-cycle of the pavement, maintenance is less invasive and much less expensive. Starting sooner requires a shift or change in philosophy away from past practices of worst first.
Keeping your good pavements in their best condition!
Keeping the good pavements in good condition is the whole preservation concept. This allows time and resources to correct those pavements that have fallen into poor condition. As long as a pavement continues to perform structurally, GSB applications will provide the maximum benefit over time. Gee Asphalt has pavements that have been on a continuous preservation program for 36 years and counting! (How many years are you getting from your asphalt surfaces???)
Changing the way you think about maintaining your network of pavements requires planning, perseverance and getting the whole organization up to speed on the benefits of preservation, all the way from the field and operations people, up to the top management and ownership. This can be a challenge, especially when the system has always been run "this way." Influence must be exerted to change the way people in your organization think about preservation!
Surface Preparation
As in any technical process, preparation is critical to the long-term success of an installation. Thoroughly cleaned surfaces are a prerequisite to ensure penetration and bonding of GSB with all pavement surface types. This is an area where Gee Asphalt Systems consistently outshines the competition. We engage sophisticated cleaning and preparation equipment and take the extra time needed to properly clean and prepare all surfaces prior to application of GSB products. Hand-cleaning is also employed extensively on commercial projects to remove stubborn deposits that cannot be removed with power equipment. Experienced Gee crews complete this critical step using the latest tools and equipment coupled with plain old-fashioned hard work and, of course, a keen eye for detail!
Application Process
GSB products are spray-applied from distributors in a "fog seal" manner to precisely control application rates. GSB immediately penetrates into voids and pores creating a superior and inseparable bond with existing aggregate. GSB provides consistent protection from environmental forces to preserve original oils within the pavement that are vital to pavement flexibility and longevity. Surfaces are tested and the appropriate type and amount of micro friction material is incorporated into the application process to improve or maintain safe conditions.
GSB preserves four to six years!
When applied early in the pavement life cycle, GSB maintains a like new, tough, durable, long-lasting surface highly resistant to oxidation and the aging process. GSB's long term performance is NOT just a pretty, black paint job, and its performance is NOT contingent upon visual cues and wear from traffic abrasion and exposed aggregates.
If you have been using those type of "top coatings" and are tired of the short time they work their magic, take note. GSB products are still at peak performance approximately five years before re-application is recommended regardless of traffic wear.
Correct product application is critical to performance. In this respect, Gee Asphalt once again outshines our competition. Our specialized high production application distributors are tailored to properly apply GSB products in the absolute minimal time at the specified rate for all pavement types including:
- airport taxiways
- grooved & PFC runways
- aprons
- hangar areas
- city streets
- county roads
- state and interstate highways
- shoulders
- rumble strips
- test tracks
- race tracks & sports complexes
- parks
- bike paths
- schools and playgrounds
- parking lots
- retention pond liners
- commercial & industrial complexes
- rail & intermodal yards
- regional
- super regional
- strip and community shopping centers
- office buildings & office parks
- national parks
- colleges & universities
- churches
- banks
- restaurants
- hotels
- apartments
Whatever type pavement you own or manage, GSB will preserve it!
At Gee, we employ specially designed hoppers which have been fitted and are harnessed to apply friction materials from each distributor. Every size job is completed quickly, safely, and to your satisfaction.
Larger projects utilize full size distributors for even application and speed of operations. For smaller and more complex tasks a "mini" distributor is used. Hand-work is accomplished with careful masking, blocking, or "cut-in" to minimize over-spray. Curing on warm sunny days takes only a few minutes. Gee equipment operators are trained and highly experienced at installing GSB quickly, efficiently, and neatly. Whether your project is large or small, Gee Asphalt incorporates high-tech equipment designed to do your project with the least down time, in a neat, efficient, and professional manner.
Preserve the asset; sustain your pavements–it makes a lot of sense.
OTHER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:
WHAT IS SLURRY MAC AND WHEN SHOULD I USE IT?
Older pavements that are structurally sound, but show advanced oxidation and a coarse surface texture may be prime candidates for Slurry Mac. Slurry Mac is a water-carried petroleum asphalt surface treatment which smooths the surface of the pavement by filling small cracks and voids resulting in a smooth appearance with an effective water barrier.
Slurry Mac is a tough and durable micro slurry application that can be installed as a single-coat or as a double-coat process, depending upon the desired final texture.
Slurry Mac:
- Corrects surface raveling
- Levels minor depressions
- Seals pavement surfaces from moisture
- Won't crack shortly after application like non-asphalt/coal tar surface treatments.
- Is asphalt based, so it bonds to the existing asphalt surface and binds the aggregate.
If the asphalt at any of your facilities has not been adequately maintained or left to the elements a little longer than it should have, Gee Asphalt can help to re-establish older, rough pavement surfaces with Slurry Mac.
As an added benefit to you, Gee Asphalt Systems will come to your location and conduct a grass roots training program to assist your organization in understanding and developing a preservation strategy tailored to your specific needs and teach you how to best protect your investment!
RE-STRIPING & TRAFFIC MARKINGS for STREETS, ROADS, HIGHWAYS, AIRPORTS, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, RETAIL, SHOPPING CENTERS
After the crack sealing and preservation work is complete, lining and traffic markings must be redone to add the finishing touch to your job. It is more than just walking a straight line with a can of paint; striping and traffic markings are the most visible aspect of a pavement preservation project! By correctly striping paved surfaces, the safety, appearance and performance of markings is greatly enhanced. Gee Asphalt provides striping, re-striping, and markings removal services for any size of job. For our biggest jobs where precision and down-time are equally huge factors, we re-stripe with our truck mounted highway striping unit. At Gee, we always use the latest equipment available to provide a quality application every time!
New Striping Layouts
Our Gee crews can re-stripe existing markings, or layout a new configuration on new or freshly sealed pavements. We consider and monitor these important criteria before, and during all striping projects:
- being alert of local climate and forecast weather conditions
- determining the condition and evenness of the pavement surface to accept paint
- choosing proper paint for compatibility with intended use
- applying the correct quantity of paint for superior wearability
- using fast-drying paint to minimize drying time and speed re-opening
- using color to suit the client's specifications (yellow, white, red, blue)
- installing lines in any configuration, angled or straight parking stalls
- replacing/correcting desired traffic flow markings
- complying with ADA requirements
Re-Stripe Existing Markings
Re-striping replaces traffic markings according to their original layout. This process can be performed after sealer binder applications are completed, or on any asphalt or concrete pavements immediately following construction requiring a new lay out. Markings will normally last about two seasons depending upon weather, climate, and traffic conditions. Of course, higher volume traffic, abrasives and de-icers can significantly reduce the performance of all traffic markings.
Removal of Markings
Occasionally there is a change of use and a need to re-configure traffic markings. Permanent removal is accomplished using rotary head diamond bit grinders designed specifically for this purpose. These cutters are designed to remove as much paint as possible while at the same time minimizing damage to pavement surfaces. Gee Asphalt Systems generally recommends this permanent type of stripe removal instead of "blacking out" because it is just that, permanent! Blacking out markings, however, is less desirable from a cosmetic standpoint, but a viable option that can be used to accommodate budget constraints.
ADA Requirements
Gee Asphalt can help you keep on top of changing regulations including the requirements to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Gee Asphalt knows how to keep you in compliance with Federal regulations.
GSB-88 Technical Research Information
GSB-88 Sealer Binder - Brochure
GSB-88 MSDS
GSB-88 Technical Sheet
Gilsonite Resin Information
Gilsonite Resin - Brochure
Independent, Laboratory & Field Research on GSB-88
GSB-88 Skid Data
GSB-88 Army Corps of Engineers ROI
GSB-88 Naval Facilities Engineering Report
GSB-88 Durability Test
GSB-88 Oxidation Test
GSB-78 Lab Water Stripping Test
Crack Sealing Information
ASTM 3405 Hot Pour Crack Sealing
ASTM 3405 Specifications - Hot Pour Crack Sealing
Friction Material Information
Specifications - Black Beauty Friction Material
Specifications - Silica Friction Material
GSB-88 Environmental EPA Report
U.S. EPA Life Cycle Assessment
