If you have a crack in your asphalt surface, it is important to have it filled and repaired as quickly as possible. This prevents it from spreading or growing. If the crack grows, it can begin to erode away at the asphalt surface and eventually lead to a pothole developing. Cracks can also be safety hazards as some may cause you or someone else to trip and fall. If there is a crack, you may find yourself wondering whether you can repair it yourself or if you should call in a professional. The answer to this question depends on the crack itself. Here are three factors to consider when deciding whether to repair an asphalt crack yourself or hire a professional:

The Type of Crack

The first thing that you will want to look at when determining whether you can repair an asphalt crack yourself is what type of crack is present. Does the crack look like a simple, straight or zig zag line or does it look like alligator skin, a tree branch or a spider web? It is only advised that you repair clean cracks yourself, which are straight or zig zag line cracks. The others are more complex and require more complex repairs. 

The Depth of the Crack

The next factor to consider when you are deciding whether to repair an asphalt crack yourself or not is the depth of the crack. This one is subjective. You should not hire repair deep cracks yourself, as deep cracks need to be filled with filler, not just repaired. If you can look inside of the crack and see dirt from the ground below, a professional needs to make the repair. Otherwise, what is considered deep is up to you to decide. If you think it is deep, it probably is, and you should leave it in the hands of a professional. 

The Number of Cracks

The last factor to consider when deciding whether to repair asphalt cracks yourself is the number of cracks that are present. If you have a few cracks, you can repair the cracks yourself. However, if you have a multitude of cracks, your asphalt surface may be nearing the end of its lifespan and wearing out. A professional should be called in to evaluate the surface if there are more than a few cracks present. 

If you do not feel comfortable repairing the crack yourself, if the cracks are deep, they are not simple, straight cracks or you have a lot, you will want to hire a professional to assist you. A paving contractor like Northern Asphalt LLC can look at your cracks and determine the best way to repair them for you.