Asphalt is a very durable material but it also gets to a point where it needs some repairs. It’s essential to do repairs as soon as possible so it can stay in good condition for longer. This will help you avoid parting with a massive chunk of money to pay a paving contractor to fix significant repairs.
Delaying repairs will only cause the damage on your asphalt to worsen. The end result is weakened structural integrity and an increased risk of having to fix the entire paved area. With this in mind, take a look at the vital signs that you need asphalt repair.
Cracking
As asphalt ages, it will start developing some cracks. This is one of the most obvious signs that you need to schedule repair work right away. Failure to address these cracks promptly will result in the damages becoming worse and spreading. With time, the paved area will start looking like alligator skin.
Unfortunately, if you delay repairs and things get that bad, the only option would be to replace the asphalt entirely. The good thing is that with proper maintenance and early repairs, it’s very easy to deal with small cracks. They are also pretty cheap to repair. It is therefore advisable to be proactive about doing your repairs. This can prevent minor problems from becoming bigger and more costly to deal with.
Potholes
Potholes are caused by water when it penetrates through the pavement via smaller holes or cracks. This process causes the sub-base to move or erode. Over time, the surface becomes unstable, and as cars and trucks roll over the area, a hole or depression will develop.
Once you notice potholes, you must fill and seal them completely. If left unattended, they can cause other problems on the pavement. Apart from that, potholes are notorious for damaging vehicles. They are also dangerous tripping hazards for individuals walking on the pavement.
Areas of Pooling Water
If you start noticing standing water on your asphalt, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Water is capable of slipping through cracks and causing significant damage as it freezes and thaws with varying temperatures.
Usually, pooling is a sign of poor drainage or an uneven surface. To fix this issue, you must sort out the grading and drainage of your asphalt. This easy fix should correct the problem.
Warping
As vehicles move on your asphalt, they exert a large amount of pressure on it. This can cause the driveway to warp. Warping can be complex or easy to fix depending on the extent to which it has occurred. In some instances, you can be able to get away with a few minor touch-ups and repairs. However, if the warping is too significant, you might need a total replacement.
Fading Color
With prolonged use, sunlight can cause your pavement color to change from black to grey. This is just a sign that your asphalt is old. Older asphalt is highly susceptible to cracks as it is more brittle.
To deal with this issue, you need to implement some strategic repairs and regular seal coating. This can significantly help protect this faded asphalt from more severe damage.
Sinkage
Asphalt pavement sits on a crushed stone base. In some cases, this base can start corroding. One of the main indications of this is sinkage, which usually happens closer to buildings and carports.
If you notice sinkage, it might be a sign that water is being deposited too close to the structure. This increases the impact on the underlying pavement. Apart from asphalt repair, in this case, you will also need to do some gutter repair.
Stains
There are certain chemicals, like automotive fluids and industrial solvents, that can corrode the binding agents used in asphalt. The moment you notice chemical spills or stains, you should have your contractor check them out to ensure that they will not cause any severe damage to your asphalt.
These are a few of the signs that you need asphalt repair. It is advisable to quickly find a paving professional whenever you notice any of these signs on your pavement. Fixing your asphalt sooner will help you dodge a lot of bullets in the future.
Connect on LinkedIn
Connect on Facebook