Wondering if the damage on your pavement can be repaired, or if you’re looking at replacement?
An asphalt pavement can only last for so long before signs of ageing and deterioration start showing on its surface. Just like our skin, constant exposure to the sun, weather, natural elements, and stress can cause damage, brittleness and flaking. Soon enough, you will begin to notice cracks snaking their way along the length of your driveway or parking lot, as well as patches of moss or algae, discolorations and fading, depressions, ruts and uneven sections.
The four main stages of asphalt distress and degradation
Stage 1: Oxidation
Stage 2: Cracking & Potholes
Asphalt repair can be very costly, depending on the severity of the damage. Which is why we highly recommend that you fill cracks and potholes right away and sealcoat your driveways and parking lots every 3 to 5 years. This will help prevent extensive deterioration and having to spend too much for repair and restoration.
As asphalt ages and loses its flexibility, it becomes more brittle and vulnerable. Instead of flexing, the surface splits and cracks. This means that more moisture can soak into the foundation and cause more damage. Cracks that are not filled in a timely manner grow larger and form into potholes and alligator cracking which is one of the worst forms of asphalt deterioration.
Stage 3: Large holes, ruts, and uneven depressions
Stage 4: Crumbling Asphalt
When left unattended alligatored pavements can become a bigger problem down the line by forming wider cracks, potholes, and result in the loss of surface aggregates. These areas pose significant problems and become liabilities to both vehicles and pedestrians.
Potholes are holes in the roadway that vary in size and shape. As the weight of cars and trucks pass over the weak spot in the road, pieces of the roadway material weaken, which will cause the material to be displaced or broken down from the weight, creating the pothole.