Asphalt has become the pavement material of choice for many due to its versatility, smoothness, and high durability. It's designed to withstand a variety of loads from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. Despite this, asphalt pavements undergo considerable wear and tear over time.
With regular and appropriate maintenance, asphalt roads, driveways, and parking lots can serve you for 15-20 years. However, without proper care, these surfaces can start showing noticeable deterioration as early as 3-5 years.
What leads to asphalt damage?Asphalt damage can be triggered by various factors including geographical location, water infiltration, temperature fluctuations due to changing seasons, exposure to the sun, and the strain from heavy vehicles. Regular maintenance is crucial in spotting and fixing these issues early on, saving you both time and money.
Asphalt Cracking
Cracks in asphalt are a common issue, often resulting from severe weather, heavy traffic, poor drainage, or inferior quality materials. It's essential to identify and correctly classify the type of cracks on your asphalt surface, as each kind requires a specific asphalt repair method.
Common types of asphalt cracks include:
Alligator Cracks: These cracks appear as a network of small cracks resembling an alligator's skin. They are typically due to poor asphalt installation, inadequate drainage, extreme temperature changes, or heavy loads. Full-depth patching is the recommended asphalt repair method for this type of damage.
Edge Cracks: These cracks run lengthwise, usually a couple of feet inside the pavement edge. They are primarily caused by lack of edge support, heavy traffic, improper drainage, and settling of underlying materials. Edge cracks can be prevented and repaired by removing nearby plants, addressing drainage issues, and sealing or reconstructing the affected area.
Transverse Cracks: These cracks run perpendicular to the centerline of the pavement and are caused by asphalt shrinkage, extreme temperature changes, and poor construction. Minor transverse cracks can be sealed to prevent moisture penetration, while severe cases may require removal or replacement of the affected layer.
Linear Cracks: Also known as longitudinal cracks, these cracks run parallel to the centerline of the pavement. They can be sealed if minor, but serious linear cracks might require removal and replacement.
Block Cracks: These resemble large interconnected blocks and are generally due to asphalt shrinkage due to temperature changes. Early detection is crucial as small block cracks can be sealed, while severe cases would necessitate layer removal and replacement.
Potholes: Potholes are a common asphalt problem, often resulting from water seeping through existing surface cracks. When these water-filled cracks are left untreated, the asphalt surface erodes, leading to the formation of potholes. Full-depth patching can address potholes, but if the subbase is damaged, compaction issues may persist.
Depressions: Depressions, or birdbaths, are characterized by pavement areas that are slightly lower than the surrounding surface. These become easily noticeable when they fill up with rainwater. Minor depressions can be fixed with a thin surface patch, while severe cases may require asphalt removal and replacement.
Rutting: Rutting refers to indentations in the asphalt pavement along vehicle wheel paths, caused by compression of surface layers, insufficient pavement thickness, or poor compaction during installation. Minor ruts can be filled and overlaid, while serious rutting necessitates removal and replacement of the affected area.
Raveling: Raveling is the disintegration of the asphalt surface, leading to the dislodgement of aggregate materials such as
If you're ready to take action and schedule maintenance for your asphalt surfaces, we invite you to contact our asphalt company. Our team of experienced professionals can provide you with high-quality maintenance and repairs that will keep your asphalt surfaces looking their best for years to come. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
