Asphalt's tenacity, durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness make it a great pick for pavements and parking lots. Yet, asphalt paving still wears out due to harsh weather, aging, and high vehicle traffic. This article will discuss some common asphalt damage and how a professional contractor can help you fix them.
1. Loose Particles on the Driveways
Does your asphalt driveway look like it has loose aggregate on top? With every passing vehicle, the surface might seem to worsen. Raveling could occur due to a lack of proper compaction during installation, especially if you did not hire an asphalt contractor. This is quite common when homeowners choose to install the pavements themselves.
It could also happen due to aging. As the pavement's thickness reduces, the gravel at the top becomes loose. If left untreated, water drains into the aggregate, causing damage. The contractor will apply fresh aggregate and asphalt. They might need to dig up the target zone if the damage is severe and apply a new layer of materials.
2. Potholes
If you find deep depressions on your pavement that result from dislodged chunks of asphalt, you need to address the issue immediately. Potholes often start as small cracks. These depressions collect water, causing further deterioration. They also make driving unsafe and uncomfortable. There are numerous ways to repair potholes. The contractor might patch up the holes using fresh aggregate and asphalt. If the pothole is too deep and wide, the contractor might eliminate the affected section and repave them.
3. Cracks
Cracks are probably the most common type of damage affecting paved surfaces. Cracks are usually caused by heavy vehicles, water damage due to drainage issues, and exposure to extreme hot and cold conditions. Cracks tend to worsen unless you call the contractor to repair the damage on time. Generally, cracks often develop into potholes that are more expensive to fix. The contractors can apply fillers and seal the surface to eliminate the cracks. A more lasting solution would be to dig up the affected area, reinforce the foundation, and apply fresh asphalt.
4. Crumbling Sides
This problem often starts with cracks. You'll see cracks near the sides of the pavement, which eventually lead to crumbling ends. This could be due to a weakening foundation and poor drainage. In that case, the contractor might need to examine if there's proper drainage at the sides of the pavement. They might also need to replace crumbled edges and repave them to provide a lasting solution.
Have you encountered any of these warning signs? Asphalt driveway problems need timely, professional intervention. If anything, they worsen with time if you don't seek repair services. Therefore, call a local asphalt contractor to plan and undertake asphalt repairs to improve the durability of your paved surfaces.
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