Looking for expert crackfill parking lot services in Minnesota? Durst Outdoor Services provides hot-applied asphalt crackfilling using MNDOT-approved methods to protect your parking lot from winter damage, salt corrosion, and costly repairs. We specialize in commercial and residential applications across Minnesota.
Why Crackfill Is Essential for Minnesota Parking Lots
Properly filling cracks in a timely manner is your first line of defense to prevent further breakdowns on the surface of your asphalt. It’s the best way to ensure sure small cracks don’t turn into huge problems.
As oil, water, salt, and other elements gather inside a crack, they begin to break down and weaken the asphalt over time. If left unchecked, we often see them turn into long “canyons” across a driveway or potholes on a road.
High-stress areas—such as parking lots, township roads, garbage truck routes, driveways, etc.—tend to be places where we see cracks turning into bigger problems. That’s because various oils, dirt, rocks, water/snow, and salt accumulate in the cracks as cars and trucks drive over these surfaces. This is especially true during the winter months in Minnesota, since we use lots of salt to melt ice and snow on our roadways.
Crackfilling prevents the asphalt from breaking down, which is more costly to repair later. It extends the lifecycle of your asphalt surface.
Best Time of Year to Schedule Crackfill for Your Minnesota Parking Lot
Although Durst Outdoor Services fills cracks all summer long, we recommend doing it in the spring in order to get the most benefits out of your filled cracks before winter hits again. Keep in mind the outdoor temperature must be at least 50 ° F for us to apply the Crackfill, in keeping with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Crackfill Methods for Minnesota Parking Lots: Routered vs. Non-Routered
Surfaces are prepared for Crackfilling using either a routered or non-routered process.
- Routered process:
- With this method, a router machine—similar to a drillhead—is used to carve out sections of NEW cracks only.
- Routing widens the crack so it is easier to remove salt, oils, rocks, or other foreign elements that have settled there and are causing the asphalt to break down.
- This process is used on roads only, which are made of a more durable asphalt mix.
- It is NOT recommended for previously filled cracks, parking lot cracks, or driveway cracks since the method actually widens the existing cracks before filling them with Crackfill material.
- Non-routered process:
- With this method, there is no “widening” of the existing crack. We simply prepare the surface and fill it with the Crackfill mix that best suits your application.
- This process is used on parking lots, driveways, and on previously filled cracks that need to be re-done.
With both the routered and non-routered crackfill methods, we use an air compressor to clean debris from the crack before filling it with the Crackfill material.
Durst Outdoor Services is experienced in both of these methods, and we can offer guidance and make a recommendation on the best option based on your unique situation or application.
Hot Rubber Crackfill for Minnesota Parking Lots
This method involves heating rubberized asphalt and then pouring the melted material into cracks using a specialized applicator. While companies also offer a Cold-Applied (or Cold-Pour) option for Crackfilling, Durst exclusively uses the Hot-Applied method since we believe it offers our customers the best results. It is also the only Crackfill application process that is MNDOT-approved.
Why Choose Durst for Crackfill Parking Lot Services in Minnesota
The team at Durst Outdoor Services has deep expertise and a track record of success with Crackfilling. As a family-owned company, we value the hard-earned wisdom that comes from close collaboration across generations—yet we are always learning and seeking new ways to add value for our customers.
When it comes to quality, Durst does not compromise. We use MNDOT-approved Crackfill products and processes to ensure consistent results.
From residential driveways to parking lots and major roadways, you can trust Durst Outdoor Services to handle your Crackfill project the right way.
How Long Does Crackfill Take for Parking Lots in Minnesota?
For typical residential driveways with light to moderate cracks, our process is quick. Customers can often access their driveways within 5 minutes of our Crackfill application. However, in cases where there is a severely cracked driveway, it can take 1-2 hours to let things settle out.
When it comes to parking lots, we recommend letting things sit a bit longer after Crackfilling. Many of our customers re-open their parking lots within 2-3 hours—or perhaps within one day for very high-traffic areas—after the Crackfill application.
On roadways, traffic is typically flowing again within minutes of the Crackfill application. This is because most roads are constructed with a more rugged grade of asphalt that is very receptive to Crackfill and dries quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I crackfill my parking lot in Minnesota?
A: We recommend crackfilling every 2–3 years in Minnesota to protect against freeze-thaw cycles and salt damage.
Q: What’s the best time to schedule parking lot crackfill in Minnesota?
A: Spring is best, but summer and early fall are also effective—just ensure temperatures are above 50°F.
Q: Does hot rubber crackfill last longer than cold-pour?
A: Yes, hot-applied rubber is more durable and flexible, making it ideal for Minnesota’s extreme weather.
Don’t let small cracks turn into big problems.
Contact Durst Outdoor Services today to get a no-obligation quote for crackfill parking lot services in Minnesota. Our team uses high-quality, MNDOT-approved materials and proven methods to protect your pavement.