In pavement where the cracks have not been sealed, there are many routes to the base and sub-base courses. Water will penetrate through cracks that are over 1/8 in. wide because water will flow by gravity into the surface and then into the base course.
Surface water is also pushed into cracks through the pumping action of traffic when vehicles pass over allowing water to penetrate the pavement and damage the base courses. Once water enters the base, it softens and deteriorates the base materials, causing extensive and expensive damage to the pavement.
