Asphalt is one of the most popular surfacing options for driveways and parking lots. Asphalt is ultimately quite affordable, durable, easy to work with, and generally easy to repair. According to Forbes, there are at least 40,000 parking facilities in the United States alone, and asphalt is a common choice for these facilities because professional designers appreciate many of its features. We’ll cover some ways to use asphalt to repair driveways and other spaces, but if you need assistance with driveway repairs, and specifics like Perma Flex™ overlay, get in touch with us today!
As you’ll learn below, time is often of the essence with asphalt repair. While we’ll cover the specifics, we recommend reaching out to asphalt repair contractors quickly. Doing so now could save you a lot of trouble later on. Even if you’re not sure if an issue is pressing, it’s smart to get professional advice.
1. Filling in Cracks
One of the most common problems with asphalt surfaces is that, over time, they can crack. This isn’t unique to asphalt surfaces. Many other surfaces can also crack. The good news is that asphalt surfaces are often easier to repair.
If an asphalt surface cracks, you can often fill it in with new asphalt. The whole process is more involved than simply applying new asphalt. You may have to clean out the cracks and apply sealants, among other things. It’s wise to bring in asphalt contractors to see what steps will need to be taken.
Time is of the essence with cracks. You might notice a small crack and think it’s not a big deal. However, a few weeks later, you may find that it has expanded quite a bit. The damage may also start to go deeper, making it harder to repair. In some cases, filling in cracks may become impractical. You may have to look into more extensive repair options like Perma Flex ™overlay. Make sure you never underestimate even the smallest of cracks.
2. Smoothing Over Potholes
Asphalt driveways can also suffer from potholes. Once again, however, it’s possible to fill in the potholes with asphalt. Some prep work may be needed for this process, so it’s smart to bring in contractors to see what specifically needs to be done.
Filling in potholes can reduce damage to vehicles, reduce the risk of slips and falls, and prevent other incidents. In some cases, a business might even be found liable for damage or injuries caused by poorly maintained parking lots or driveways. Some customers may also avoid specific parking lots and the businesses that use them. The right asphalt repairs may have prevented such risks, thus protecting you and your business.
Further, if a pothole grows in size, it’ll be more difficult to repair. It’s smart to address both cracks and potholes quickly. A small pothole could spread, making mitigation more difficult and thus more expensive. By filling in small issues, you can prevent big problems in the future.
One of the biggest risks with cracks and also potholes is ice. If you live in a cold climate, this is something you need to look out for. Should water get into the crack or pothole, then freeze overnight and expand, it can cause immense damage. In extreme cases, you might need to tear up the surface and start over. If winter is approaching and ice is a risk, contact asphalt repair professionals as soon as possible.
3. Using Perma Flex™ Overlay
In the case of extensive cracks and damage, it may not make sense to completely fill things in. While filling in cracks, potholes, and other types of damage may provide benefits, a more lasting and sensible solution is often to use something like Perma Flex™ overlay. With this method, existing asphalt is used as a foundation for a new surface. This means you may not have to tear up the existing asphalt and can instead build upon it.
With Perma Flex™ overlay, you first mitigate crack damage, thus reducing the risk that cracks in the foundational layer will damage the new layer. As a result, you can often install a new surface that is less prone to cracking. Get in touch today if you’d like to discuss Perma Flex™ overlay and other asphalt repair options. Ford Asphalt Company is always happy to provide insights and advice.
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