You might be thinking “everyone knows what asphalt pavement is” since it covers most parking lots, roadways, and pedestrian pathways. As a business owner or property manager, understanding what asphalt pavement truly is will help you properly care for it. Since your parking lot is the welcome mat to your property, giving off a great first impression is essential.
A parking lot provides image & functionality to your business.
To keep your parking lot looking its best, proper maintenance is required. Further understanding of necessary maintenance, it is always good to understand the material and why it needs to be done. Toste Construction is discussing asphalt pavement today along with why it deteriorates.
What is Asphalt Pavement?
Frequently referred to as “hot mix”, asphalt pavement is the blend of two main components: molten liquid asphalt and crushed rock or aggregate. The molten liquid asphalt is the “black glue” or binder that holds together the crushed rock. When blended together thoroughly, the paving material is formed and stored in a heated silo until it is transported to a job site.
Asphalt pavement is high in viscosity which allows it to be very binding and flexible at the same time. The cooler the asphalt pavement, the less flexible it will be, which is why moving efficiently when pavement is poured is essential. Asphalt pavement is also incredibly durable and resilient, which makes this strength a great option for almost all paved surfaces. If you are looking for a lasting pavement option for your parking lot, roadway, driveway, or path, asphalt pavement is likely the best choice.
What Causes Asphalt Pavement to Deteriorate?
Understanding what causes deterioration within your asphalt can help you justify a preventative maintenance plan. The main cause of pavement deterioration is the loss of the molten liquid asphalt we discussed earlier. This is a key piece of asphalt as it binds together crushed rock.
Can you imagine an asphalt parking lot without its binder? You are right, it would basically be a gravel lot.
When the binder is lost and left untreated, the asphalt pavement will deteriorate rapidly. The asphalt binder (glue) that holds the pavement together begins to oxidize and weather soon after installation. Moisture penetrates the asphalt, causing damage and deterioration to the pavement. Oil, gas and salt cause further damage to the pavement surface. All of this environmental distress is why asphalt goes from a newly laid fresh black appearance to a drab, aged, oxidized gray appearance.
Asphalt Sealcoating
Luckily, you can help restore that essential binder by sealcoating the surface of the parking lot. Typically applied every 2-3 years, a sealcoat application will not only restore the durability of the pavement, but also further protect it from future damage. Sealcoating replenishes the binder that is lost through weathering and aging and provides a barrier to moisture intrusion, as well as ultraviolet rays, chemicals and salt.
Call Toste Today!
Toste Construction provides professional sealcoating services to the greater Charlotte area including Mooresville, Lake Norman, Cornelius, and Troutman. If your business or property has an asphalt pavement parking lot or roadway in need of attention, our team is here for you! With over two decades of pavement preservation experience, Toste Construction is available to assess your lot and provide you with our greatest recommendation. Request a FREE quote today or call us to discuss your pavement needs.
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.