There are many different signs that your asphalt has seen better days, and it’s time to get a professional asphalt repair company to give your pavement a facelift. If you don’t perform asphalt pavement repairs when needed, your pavement will deteriorate much faster than if you made the repairs at the right time. You should be able to gauge when repairs are needed so that you can avoid the cost of asphalt replacement.
Many different factors can affect your asphalt pavement over time, and if left untreated, these problems will worsen. This post will cover some of the main points leading up to asphalt pavement needing repair.
Cracks
Asphalt pavement is made from a mixture of asphalt binder and aggregate, which make up asphalt. The asphalt’s overall integrity will deteriorate over time if it has been damaged by cracks in it.
Asphalt is a porous material which means that when there are damaged areas to the surface, water and other substances can penetrate the asphalt’s surface. These problems will worsen when there are heavy rains because water can seep underneath the asphalt, leading to more damage over time.
Water that penetrates asphalt also has a way of freezing in place during cold winters, and this causes expanding ice crystals to form under the asphalt. These ice crystals will then push asphalt up, and eventually, the asphalt can crack.
When you see any cracks in your asphalt pavement, it’s time to have the asphalt repaired.
Aging
As asphalt pavement ages, it can become more susceptible to damage. The asphalt’s surface becomes rough and uneven as the asphalt begins to break down, which means that drivers are more likely to experience a flat tire when driving on it or even get stuck.
Sealcoating extends the life of asphalt pavement. Sealcoat your asphalt every three years to protect it from harmful substances such as UV Rays.
Sinkage
Asphalt is porous, which means it can absorb water beneath the surface; when the asphalt becomes saturated with water, it’s liable to become thin in some areas. When asphalt sinks due to the absorption of too much moisture or stress, it’s called sinkage.
Sinking asphalt will often lead to cracks and open joints where water can enter deep into the asphalt pavement from below, which causes more damage over time. This is why it is imperative to acquire asphalt repair services quickly.
Potholes
Potholes are a common asphalt pavement problem. They form when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt and freezes, creating heaving as it expands and contracts with seasonal changes. As traffic passes over these areas, they break free into asphalt chunks or pebbles, which then get caught on tires to create what is called “rocking.”
It’s essential to hire a professional asphalt repair company when a pothole appears. If delayed, it will become a costly problem.
At J. Wilson Paving, we have a staff of talented asphalt paving experts who are ready to serve your paving needs. Contact us for more information about our asphalt repair services in Carp, ON, or get in touch with us for a free quote today.
