After the passage of the street maintenance tax issue, equipment was purchased so that the Street Department was able to initiate a new program to effectively seal cracks in the streets.  Up until this program, water freezing and expanding within the cracks, greatly deteriorated streets.  The former method of simply pouring unheated “tar” into cracks often resulted in cracks re-opening during cold weather.

The new sealing unit has a propane torch, located in front of the truck. The torch blows heated air, which is used to clean out the cracks and remove moisture so that the sealing material will adhere well.  Pictured is the sealing unit behind the truck.  The application pad on the unit is used to apply the heated sealant down into the crack.

The results of this new sealing system include a more even application of  the sealant, quick set-up, and superior adhesion.  This method reduces the height of the sealant ridges, leaving the roadway smoother than the prior method did.   Pedestrians appreciate that sealant dries more firmly, which reduces the transfer of sealant upon shoes.