Before long, an asphalt parking lot or drive will start to show signs of age and deterioration on its surface. Being exposed to the elements, UV rays, chemicals, and salt, the pavement can become damaged. Signs that the asphalt is aging will include fading, cracking, rut or depression formations, and deterioration. All of these signs of age can be damaging to your asphalt and require repair.
To help you further understand what type of repair to expect, we are reviewing three types of asphalt damage today. The proper repair will help extend the life of the asphalt and make it visually appealing again.
Damage: Oxidation
Oxidation is caused by constant exposure to UV rays and the elements. It happens when the bitumen, or binder that holds the aggregate asphalt mixture together, slowly evaporates due to its exposure to the elements. This will give the asphalt a faded gray look and will cause it to become brittle as it dries out.
Repair: While there is no way to completely prevent oxidation, sealcoating will slow the process. Sealcoating is the practice of applying a layer of protection from the elements, including moisture, UV rays, and chemicals while replenishing the binder. Adding sealcoat to the surface of the asphalt will also restore the rich, dark color of the pavement when it was initially installed.
Damage: Cracking
Several things can cause cracking in an asphalt parking lot. The main culprits of cracking include moisture, traffic loads, and improper care. Once cracks start forming in a parking lot, they will not stop as water will continuously find its way below the surface. This will continue to erode away the base of the pavement and weaken the asphalt system. If left long enough, cracks can easily turn into potholes and require much more attention, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
Repair: Filling cracks with crack fill will help prevent rain and moisture from flowing through the pavement. This can help prevent erosion or failure. Cracks are typically filled before sealcoat is applied to the surface to further protect the asphalt.
Damage: Potholes
When cracks are left untouched, they can easily allow moisture to find its way below the surface of the asphalt. Furthermore, this moisture can go through a freeze/thaw cycle and create a pothole. The stress from constant vehicle traffic can cause additional damage, or a more significant pothole to form. Potholes create a massive annoyance to pedestrian and vehicle traffic while also posing as a liability to the owner of a parking lot.
Repair: Potholes can be repaired with either a hot or cold patch material. If possible, the potholes can simply be cleaned and filled using the repair material. When the potholes are larger, a more extensive repair is required. This will include cutting the asphalt around the pothole and completely replacing the entire section. Your local asphalt contractor will be able to properly assess the damage and provide the best repair option for your parking lot.
Call A Professional
If your parking lot is showing signs of aging and damage, you will want to have it examined immediately by a professional. The longer you allow the asphalt to be damaged and left untouched, the further the damage will progress. This will likely require additional repair, if not a complete replacement. Properly caring for your asphalt can help extend its lifespan and keep it looking good.
Toste Construction is your Mooresville professional asphalt company. We offer asphalt maintenance services including sealcoating, crack filling, pothole repair, and line striping. Regardless of how large or complex the job is, our team can help you! Call our office today to schedule your FREE estimate!
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.