How to Spot Asphalt Damage Before It’s Too Late

Table of Contents

1. Summary
2. Introduction
3. The Recognition of Different Types of Damage in Asphalt Surfaces
4. Signs of Asphalt Damage to Look For
5. Pros and Cons of Spotting Asphalt Damage Early
6. Regular Maintenance Practices
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

Summary

Maintenance of asphalt surfaces on a regular basis helps to avoid repair expenses in the future. If the asphalt surfaces are not maintained, they get damaged with time. Asphalt damages affect the pavement surfaces in different ways. Asphalt maintenance helps asphalt surfaces to survive for a longer period. You should book professional asphalt maintenance services without any delay. The primary purpose of this blog is to train property owners to maintain the asphalt surfaces. The main objective is to train owners to detect any damage at its initial phase. 

Introduction

Asphalt maintenance services help to control surface appearance. It helps asphalt surfaces to survive for a long time. Asphalt surface maintenance reduces replacement expenses in the future. Any asphalt surface that remains unchecked will weaken in no time. It will create a need for costly repair projects in the future.

Asphalt surfaces get damaged because they face exposure from the environment. Asphalt surfaces experience the traffic of vehicles. It causes normal surface damage. Three main types of asphalt damage are cracks, potholes, and raveling surfaces. These types affect the pavement in different ways. An early diagnosis of these problems prevents their spread in the future. It helps the asphalt surface increase the lifetime of pavement.

The Recognition of Different Types of Damage in Asphalt Surfaces

An asphalt surface is considered damaged if it is experiencing any of the below mentioned conditions:

Cracking

The majority of asphalt problems emerge from the crack formation. Cracks appear in different structural patterns. Some of the cracks develop when the asphalt experiences damage from oxidation. Repetitive vehicle movements and weak foundations cause alligator crack patterns. These cracks mimic alligator skin features. Thermal movements on asphalt surfaces result in the formation of parallel cracks. These cracks are also known as longitudinal cracks.

Causes of Cracking

The development of cracks in pavements happens because of these reasons:

1. Aging and oxidation

2. Poor installation

3. Subgrade issues

4. Heavy traffic loads

5. Extreme weather conditions

Potholes

The weakening of pavement structure generates an asphalt surface condition known as potholes.

Formation Process

The entry of water into cracks causes pavement weakening when it freezes and expands. Repeated cycles and vehicle pressure lead to asphalt breakdown.

Impact on Safety and Aesthetics

The presence of potholes creates two major public safety concerns:

1. Damages vehicles

2. Endangers those who walk Such conditions produce an unprofessional look. It results in business property degradation. It also causes an unattractive appearance in parking areas.

Raveling

Definition and Appearance

Raveling happens when asphalt separates from its surface. Loose gravel along with rough material creates an unsafe condition. The thin asphalt surface develops raveling. It happens because aggregate particles start to separate from the asphalt layer.

Factors Contributing to Raveling

The following aspects increase raveling speed:

1. Poor-quality asphalt mix

2. Aging and oxidation

3. Lack of proper sealcoating

4. Heavy traffic wear

Signs of Asphalt Damage to Look For

There are few signs of damaged asphalt surfaces. These damaged surfaces indicate the need for repair for asphalt surfaces:

Visual Indicators

Black asphalt turns gray when the surface faces UV exposure and oxidation. This results in manifesting the signs of deterioration.

An uneven surface indicates damage or heavy traffic conditions.

Physical Signs

The presence of standing water on asphalt indicates drainage issues on surfaces. It creates conditions for the development of cracks and potholes.

Reverse damage assessment shows that loose gravel and small stones suggest a raveling process. If it appears on pavement surfaces, it requires quick, prompt repair.

Pros and Cons of Spotting Asphalt Damage Early

The table below explains the pros and cons of identifying asphalt damages earlier. 

Regular Maintenance Practices

The detection of asphalt damages at an early stage is necessary. It happens through routine scheduled inspections. Property owners must perform asphalt inspections on a regular basis.

Recommended Maintenance Techniques

A few asphalt maintenance techniques are recommended by the experts. Follow the below mentioned techniques for maintaining asphalt surfaces. 

1. Sealcoating:

Asphalt protection through sealcoating extends its existence. It saves the surface from water penetration, UV light damage, and oxygen exposure.

2. Sealing Cracks:

A sealed crack will prevent water ingress. Otherwise, it leads to base failure and the formation of potholes.

3. Pothole repairs:

Pothole repairs protect pavement structure from further damage. It helps in delivering safe traffic surfaces.

Conclusion

Early identification of asphalt damage helps users in reducing maintenance expenses. It extends the service life of the paved areas. Cracks, potholes, and raveling should be repaired right away. Property owners must make asphalt maintenance investments. It will result in preventing high-cost repairs of pavement surfaces in the future. 

It is important to require professional asphalt maintenance before small cracks become serious issues. Professional asphalt maintenance services will protect your asphalt surfaces. Call us immediately to receive expert asphalt services. Our services result in long-term durability.

FAQs