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1. Why do pavements crack?

Following initial construction, pavement begins the process of oxidation. Over time, it becomes dry, brittle, more rigid, and less flexible. The aggregate starts wearing away, causing cracks. Some small cracks can start to show in the first year of new pavement. The City of Oak Forest provides a quality maintenance program to extend the life cycle of asphalt up to 30 years, saving taxpayers money while providing safe and efficient roadways.

2. What is crack seal?

Crack seal is a hot, sticky, petroleum-based pavement crack and joint sealant. It does not resurface the entire street – it just fills cracks. The sealant forms a long-lasting, resilient seal which is flexible and expandable in varying and extreme pavement temperatures.

3. Why crack seal?

Crack seal is a treatment to maintain and extend the life cycle of the roadway. Research shows that crack sealing programs are cost effective in extending the life of pavement, as opposed to the cost of extensive pavement repairs for streets left unsealed. Crack sealing assists in the prevention of water between the layers of asphalt and sub-grade, thus preventing premature pavement failures, deterioration, and potholes.

4. When do streets receive crack seal?

City staff evaluates and updates a multi-year plan annually. Each year, we crack seal on those streets with cracks 1/4'' inch wide or wider that are scheduled for a surface treatment then continue to other roads as needed and as funding allows.

5. Is it safe?

Where necessary, the sealant will be covered with a fine layer of sand to limit tracking. However, caution is still advised. When the material is first applied, it is extremely hot (400°), wet, sticky, and very difficult to remove from skin, shoes, and floor coverings. For the safety of children and pets, please keep them off the streets on the day your street is sealed.

6. Will access to my street be affected?

You may drive on the street, but on-street parking will be prohibited. Sidewalks will not be closed.

7. Why shouldn't I water my lawn or wash my car?

Water interferes with the crack-sealing process, so we ask residents not to water lawns, wash cars, or engage in similar activities that may cause water to enter the street on the day their street is crack-sealed.