If your asphalt is showing signs of distress, it is essential to determine what is causing the deterioration. Doing so will help identify the best repair method to patch the area. Also, you will want to ensure the issue does not resurface and by identifying the root cause, you can help prevent future damage.
1. Traffic Load
Each time a vehicle drives over your pavement, its weight affects it. The heavier the vehicle, the more damage it has the chance to make. For example, if your parking lot sees a lot of semi truck traffic or vehicles carrying heavy loads, like a dump truck full of gravel, it might deteriorate quickly. On the contrary, if your parking lot does not see a lot of traffic, you might get a few more years out of it before it starts to deteriorate.
Many times, the traffic load will help create cracks and potholes in asphalt. Fatigue, or alligator, cracking is caused by traffic load driving over pavement that has a weakened base, overloading, or pavement that has not been laid thick enough. A combination of these items may also result in cracking. If cracks are not repaired in a timely fashion, they can result in pothole formation.
Limiting the weight of traffic that can access your parking lot can help prevent deterioration from traffic loads. Also, working with your asphalt contractor will ensure your pavement can withstand necessary traffic weight.
2. Environmental or Climate Influences
Asphalt parking lots are constantly exposed to environmental elements. Over time, these elements can start to cause the pavement to deteriorate. Rain, UV rays, and snow can cause significant asphalt deterioration. Rain can easily find its way into the lower layers of your parking lot and continuously erode it away. If temperatures reach below freezing, this water can expand the pavement, creating an air pocket below the surface, and the perfect opportunity for a pothole to form.
Additionally, extreme sunlight comes with harsh UV rays that can be extremely damaging to your asphalt surfaces. UV rays essentially speed up the deterioration process of asphalt by breaking it down. These harmful rays will weaken the components within the pavement and bonds that hold it all together. After a significant time and left untouched, water will find its way through the asphalt and cause more permanent damage to your parking lot.
While it is difficult to completely prevent environmental influence on your asphalt, applying a layer of sealcoat can help prolong its life.
3. Material Quality or Construction Deficiencies
When asphalt starts to show signs of deterioration, the initial construction is not often considered. However, many times it is the root cause of pavement failure. When planning for a new parking lot installation, it is essential to work with a reputable contractor who utilizes quality materials. If not, it could be detrimental to your pavement and it could fail far before its expected lifespan.
Not skimping upfront can ensure your asphalt does not deteriorate prematurely. Having a strong base is essential and properly assessing your traffic patterns will help identify the requirements for construction. Hiring the best contractor for you and your needs will help ensure you are using the best quality materials for your new parking lot.
Your Charlotte Asphalt Expert
If you are looking for an asphalt expert in the greater Charlotte area, contact Toste Construction today! We are will assess your pavement and provide you with a FREE estimate for all necessary work. Contact us today to schedule.
Toste Construction specializes in sealcoating and crack filling to ensure you and your customers have a smooth surface to drive on. We are your Mooresville asphalt and pavement maintenance company. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, striping, patching, pothole repair and crack filling for both residential and commercial projects throughout western North Carolina.