The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends rubberized crack sealing as a cost effective way to prolong the life of asphalt roadways/parking lots. For example, on average it costs five dollars to seal a 10-ft crack that is a 1/2" wide and 1/2" deep. If this same crack is left unsealed, water will penetrate and erode the sub-base, causing the surrounding asphalt to fail. This failure is called "Alligatoring". Depending on the size of the job, removing and replacing the deteriorated asphalt around the 10-ft crack costs $50 to $80.

In addition there are other intangible costs to cities or businesses, such as down time due to rehabilitation projects. There are additional costs assessed from poor image, which contributes to negative customer perceptions.

Note: According to the federal Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), every $1.00 spent on crack sealing, saves $4.00 in rehabilitation cost.