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5 Most Common Categories of Asphalt Damage

Asphalt is known for being one of the most versatile pavement materials. Most people choose asphalt for its durability, and you might also enjoy how smooth the material looks on large surfaces. While asphalt parking lots and other types of surfaces should last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, they do require some maintenance to reach their maximum life span. Watching out for these common types of asphalt damage helps you know when to arrange for repairs.

Cracking

Cracks can develop due to severe weather conditions, wear and tear from heavy traffic along with poor drainage. There are several different types of cracks that you might notice in the asphalt, and noting which kind you see can help asphalt companies determine the cause of the damage. For example, fatigue cracks involve lots of small ones that run together and create the appearance of an alligator’s skin. These tend to come from chronic excessive loads or poor drainage in a climate with frequent temperature changes. Meanwhile, linear cracks could be caused by general wear and tear.

Depressions

Kids may love how depressions in asphalt surfaces create the perfect puddles, but road maintenance crews know just how dangerous these can be for causing skids. If a depression is relatively shallow and small, then it might only need a surface patch repair. However, some of these can get pretty large, which means you might need to replace the paved area.

Potholes

Coming across a big one of these on a road can lead to popped tires and car accidents. Potholes are ultimately the end result of allowing alligator cracks to go without repairs. Over time, water gets into the cracks and starts to erode the asphalt. Eventually, the cracks begin to intersect and cause chunks to come out of the surface until there is a serious hole.

Rutting

Heavy traffic on asphalt drives can cause indentations to form where the vehicle tires constantly roll across the surface. Since rutting is caused by the surface layers getting compressed by the weight of the vehicles, it tends to be worse when there is already a flaw in the pavement, such as it being too thin or made from a weak asphalt mix. Failing to properly compact the material during the installation process is another reason why rutting might develop, which is why it is important to fully vet asphalt companies before you arrange for their services.

Raveling

Asphalt raveling is caused by the general deterioration of the surface. With raveling, the pieces of the material begin to dislodge, and you might see loose gravel coming up on the surface. On roads and parking lots, the surface can get quite rough, and the loose materials can increase the risk of skids. The good news is that raveling tends to affect just the top surface layer in the early stages, and you might only need to plan for an overlay to fix the problem. Keep in mind that having a loose top layer exposes the underlayers to more potential for damage, so you’ll want to correct the issue as soon as possible.

When caught early, many types of asphalt damage can be repaired before it requires a complete replacement of the surface materials. Whether you have an asphalt driveway, road or trail you’re in charge of maintaining, make routine checks for damage a normal part of your routine. Staying on top of the quality of the surface helps to keep people safe and preserve the appearance of your property.

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4 Reasons Why Your Asphalt Surface Needs a Good Foundation

As the saying goes: you can’t build a great building on a weak foundation. The same holds true for asphalt surfaces.

Asphalt surfaces also need strong, durable foundations so they don’t crack and break apart under pressure. Building an asphalt parking lot or driveway is a big investment, and it won’t last nearly as long without a solid foundation underneath it. A poor foundation means you could be paying for expensive repairs – or even complete replacement – prematurely.

A good asphalt foundation typically consists of the best materials and compact gravel available and should be strong enough that the gravel doesn’t break apart when you put your foot on it.

In this article, we’ll explain 4 reasons why your asphalt surface needs a well-built foundation during the asphalt installation process.

1. Your surface will have proper drainage

An asphalt surface’s foundation has a tremendous impact on drainage. Asphalt should be laid in a specific way to funnel water away.

During heavy rains, all of that water must go somewhere. An improperly designed and constructed foundation can lead to low spots or dips on the asphalt during the paving process, which can cause water to gather and puddles to form. Foundations that aren’t completely smooth can also create dips or sinks while being paved.

Many asphalt drainage problems, including slow draining, occur during the initial design stage. Asphalt parking lots, roads, and driveways need an appropriate level of elevation drop to remove water effectively.

2. Your surface will need fewer repairs

A properly built asphalt surface foundation can lead to fewer repairs throughout the surface’s lifetime. For example, if you notice “ponding” on the surface, it’s usually because the asphalt’s foundation has sunk in certain areas or become uneven due to the foundation losing some of its base integrity. This can happen over time.

A foundation that breaks down prematurely can be caused by rocks shifting and moving due to pressure, which can lead to warping and cracking. Early cracking is often caused by a poorly constructed foundation.

3. Your surface will be safer

When asphalt parking lots, driveways, and roads have strong foundations, they are significantly safer to drive and walk on. Cracks and dips that form when the gravel below the asphalt sinks can cause people to trip and fall.

The well-built foundation will also insulate the upper layers of the asphalt during the winter to stop ice from forming on the surface, preventing hazardous surface conditions in the process. If the foundation was poorly constructed and excess moisture is allowed to the surface, the constant freeze-thaw cycle can create new cracks and cause existing ones to expand.

4. Your surface will last longer

Asphalt pavement can last about 15 to 30 years on average, but its lifespan largely depends on how well the foundation was laid and whether regular maintenance was performed.

In fact, the condition of the foundation plays a large role when determining whether to resurface or replace an asphalt surface. If the foundation is still strong and intact after 20 years, you may want to consider resurfacing. Replacement is often recommended if the driveway is 20 to 30 years old and the foundation has completely failed.

Consider hiring only asphalt companies with good online reviews and a strong Better Business Bureau score.

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The Impact of Wildfires on Asphalt Pavement Roads

Unfortunately, it seems like wildfires have become more common during the past few years. Even though wildfires have traditionally been an issue on the west coast, wildfires in Colorado have also become a major concern. Wildfires can burn vegetation, burned down neighborhoods, and release dangerous chemicals into the air. Even though asphalt does not typically burn during a wildfire, there are other significant issues that could rise to the surface. What is the impact of wildfires on asphalt surfaces? Take a look at a few important points below, and make sure you rely on a commercial asphalt company that can help you manage this issue.

Why Doesn’t Asphalt Burn During a Wildfire?

Anyone who has touched an asphalt surface in the middle of the summer understands that asphalt can heat up very quickly. Because of its dark color, it absorbs a significant amount of light. At the same time, asphalt usually does not catch fire during a wildfire. Many of the ingredients used to make up asphalt are not combustible. The vast majority of asphalt is made up of sand and small stones. These are not items that catch fire very easily. Furthermore, asphalt burns at a temperature that is lower than its ignition temperature. This means that asphalt is far more likely to melt and evaporate before it catches fire.

Items On Top of the Asphalt Might Catch Fire

Even though asphalt itself is unlikely to catch fire, substances on top of the surface might catch fire instead. If you see an asphalt surface on fire, this could be due to oils that are on top of the road. For example, cars that drive down the road may leak motor oil. Oil can catch fire, and it is not unusual to see it while burning on top of an asphalt pavement. Furthermore, vehicles can catch fire on top of the road. The fuel inside of cars and trucks is combustible, causing them to catch fire on the surface.

There Are Other Impacts from Wildfires on Asphalt

Even if the asphalt does not catch fire, there are other adverse impacts. For example, firefighting vehicles that travel the roads can cause damage. Particularly in rural areas, many of these roads are not built for heavy traffic. As the pavement heats up, it becomes more pliable. Therefore, it is not strong enough to resist a lot of these stresses. In some cases, the pavement can melt or crack, leading to significant problems. When the asphalt begins to crack, water can infiltrate underneath the road, leading to potholes. Finally, there are also a lot of risks related to chemicals being released into the air as the asphalt degrades. This can lead to serious health problems down the road. For all of these reasons, it is important to work with a company that has experience dealing with commercial asphalt.

Work with a Commercial Asphalt Company

Asphalt pavement is not impervious to damage during a wildfire. That is why it is important to work with concrete contractors who have experience in this area. You need to make sure that your asphalt surfaces are able to withstand the impact of a wildfire. If you partner with a professional who has experience in this area, you can ensure the integrity of your asphalt pavement for years to come. Even if there is a wildfire, your asphalt pavement may be able to stand up to the stress.

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Why Isn’t My Asphalt Surface Smooth?

One of the reasons why you should use a professional asphalt contractor to lay your asphalt is because you can encounter a lot of issues if you attempt to lay asphalt yourself. One of the issues you may encounter is not having an asphalt surface that is smooth. This is problematic because it presents a tripping hazard to those walking on the surface and is not good for bike and car tires. If you have attempted to lay asphalt yourself and the surface is not smooth, here are a few of the reasons why you may have this issue.

Not Enough Asphalt to Bind the Aggregates

Hot asphalt is poured over an aggregate mix to form an asphalt surface, such as a road, driveway or walkway. When asphalt is hot, it has a thick consistency that is slightly soupy or runny. This allows it to get into all of the spaces between the aggregate mixture, creating a solid surface as the asphalt cools and hardens. But, if there is not enough asphalt poured over the aggregate mixture, you may wind up with a surface that is not. If your surface looks lumpy or uneven, this is the most likely cause. Fortunately, this can be relatively easily fixed. A new layer of aggregate and asphalt can be laid by a professional to help even out the surface and make it smooth.

Not Enough Compaction

Another reason why an asphalt surface may not be smooth is because there was not enough compaction. After hot asphalt is poured over an aggregate mixture, that new surface needs to be smoothed. This is done using either a roller or a tamper. Rolling the surface helps to push the hot asphalt down, so it binds to the aggregate mix, while also helping to push out air bubbles. This creates a smooth, level surface. If you notice the surface is not smooth and it looks like rocks or chunks of asphalt are being lifted away, this is the likely culprit. Unfortunately, fixing asphalt that is not properly compacted is not easy. In the worst cases, the entire asphalt surface needs to be removed and needs to be started fresh.

An Unsuitable Aggregate Mix

The final reason why an asphalt surface may not be smooth is because an unsuitable aggregate mix was used. You cannot use any aggregate mix and expect a smooth, level surface. You need to use one that features smooth, crushed rock combined with a mixture of smaller particulates. The exact aggregate mix that is needed will vary based on weather in your area, how much moisture your area gets and how you intend on using the asphalt surface. A professional knows what type of aggregate mix is ideal for your asphalt surface, whereas the average person has no idea what mix to use. There is no way to correct a surface that is not smooth due to the wrong aggregate mix.

If you have an asphalt surface that is not smooth, or you need a new asphalt surface laid, reach out to an asphalt contractor near me. They can ensure that there is enough asphalt to bind the aggregates, ensure the surface is properly compacted and use the right aggregate mix for your surface. Reach out to your preferred professional asphalt contractor today.

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How to Fix a Crumbling Asphalt Driveway

If your asphalt is beginning to show signs of wear, age, or disrepair, it is important to repair the issues in a timely manner. If you fail to do so, the problems within your asphalt surface may worsen. What may have started out as a simple fix may turn into a major repair problem. Read on to learn more about the signs of damaged asphalt and how damaged asphalt can be fixed.

Signs Your Asphalt is In Need of Repair

There are a number of signs that your asphalt may give you if it is in need of repair. Some of the signs that your asphalt may need repairs are seeing the asphalt crumble or erode away, seeing cracks in the asphalt, or seeing depressions, holes, or potholes on your asphalt surface. Another sign that your asphalt may need to be repaired is seeing water puddling or pooling on the surface. Water that is puddling or pooling instead of draining away from asphalt can cause crumbling, cracks, and depressions.

How to Fix a Crumbling Asphalt Driveway

If you notice that there is damage to your asphalt surface, such as crumbling, cracking, or depressions, you will want to call in an asphalt contractor who offers asphalt repair. The first thing that they will do is remove any debris from the surface of the asphalt. This involves removing asphalt and aggregate from cracks and potholes. Once that is done, the asphalt surface will be cleaned. Patches and fills stick best to asphalt that is cleaned. If there is debris on the asphalt, such as oil or food, it can prevent the filler from properly adhering. Once the area is free from debris and cleaned, a professional will use a filler to fill in cracks, holes, depressions, or asphalt erosion. Once the filler is in place, it will be rolled so that it is compacted and so your asphalt surface is completely level.

How to Protect an Asphalt Driveway

If you have a new asphalt surface, or if you have just had yours repaired, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to protect the asphalt surface from damage. While you cannot prevent all types of damage, seal coating an asphalt surface helps to prevent cracking, erosion, and potholes and depressions from forming. The surface of the asphalt should be coated after a surface has been installed or repaired, and every two to three years thereafter.

Reasons to Hire an Asphalt Contractor for Asphalt Repair

If your asphalt is in need of repair, you may find yourself wondering whether you can make the repairs yourself or whether you should hire an asphalt contractor to make the repairs for you. While home improvement stores do sell asphalt patching kits that allow you to make minor repairs to your asphalt surfaces yourself, these kits generally do not solve the problem for a prolonged period of time. They may be quick fixes but they do not last. A professional can properly patch or repair your asphalt so the problem is fixed and so your asphalt functions as good as new once again.