Why it matters up here
Placitas and the Turquoise Trail see plenty of freezing nights in winter and sunny afternoons in between. Every time water in a crack freezes, it expands and widens the crack a little more. By spring, small cracks are bigger, and some have turned into broken pavement. Sealing them in fall or spring stops that cycle.
How we do it
- Clean — weeds, dirt and loose material out; blow clean.
- Rout where needed for a uniform channel.
- Hot-pour sealant — rubberized, flexible through temperature swings.
- Finish flush or slightly banded over the crack.
Fixes
Individual cracks roughly 1/4" to 1" wide — lengthwise, crosswise, at edges and seams.
Doesn't fix
Alligator cracking, potholes, sunken areas — those need full-depth repair.
For roads, crack sealing is the backbone of a maintenance plan.
Questions & answers
When is the best time?
Spring and fall, when cracks are mid-width.
How long does it last?
Several years for professionally applied hot-pour. Check yearly for new cracks.
Is store-bought filler OK?
It helps short-term, but consumer fillers usually shrink or pop out after a winter or two.