Asphalt Paving Problems and Solutions

Protecting your asphalt investment from deterioration is the key to keeping an attractive looking parking lot or driveway. Sealcoating new asphalt within one year of installation is the best and most cost efficient way to avoid expensive repairs due to pavement failures. However, let's take a look at some common asphalt problems and their solutions:

Oxidation and Graying

Over time, traffic, water, gas, oil, the suns unrelenting rays, especially in Florida, will wreak havoc on asphalt pavement. The older the pavement gets, the more exposure to elements, the more the asphalt pavement will fade and take on a gray appearance. This graying is a sign that the asphalt is oxidizing and drying out. The drier it gets the more brittle it will become and the more prone to cracking. It's a downward spiral at this point if nothing is done to stop the water from penetrating the asphalt cracks. It is critical that asphalt repairs are made as part of an ongoing asphalt pavement maintenance plan to avoid further decay.

Raveling

Another asphalt paving maintenance issue to be aware of is raveling. When the binder, which acts as a glue, that is used to hold the stone and sand particles that make up the asphalt starts deteriorating, this is called raveling. Pieces of aggregate will loosen and breakaway from the pavement surface making it thinner and thinner as it deteriorates.

The surface of the asphalt pavement will appear rough as pieces of the asphalt away and separate. This can create a void for water to penetrate into the base material.

Linear Asphalt Cracks

Transverse and longitudinal cracks are fairly common in asphalt pavement as it ages. Starting small, they will expand over time. Again, any crack in asphalt is an opportunity for water to penetrate. Pavement expansion due to hot and cold temperatures will continue to cause the cracks to expand.

Cleaning out any dirt or debris from such cracks, asphalt repairs can be made to stop water from seeping below the pavement and help stop the crack from growing.

Sealcoating the pavement early on helps lock-in the binder and prevents from cracks from occurring.

Vegetation Growth

If cracks, gaps or joints in asphalt are left unfilled, grass, weeds and other plants - even trees have been known to grow right through a parking lots surface. Not only does this make for an un-kept looking parking area, but the roots of the vegetation can cause severe damage to the base of the asphalt. Additionally, as the plant grows, the roots and the visible vegetation will widen the gaps letting more water penetrate the surface eroding the base materials. A simple asphalt crack repair before vegetation has a chance to take root can save property managers thousands of dollars in repairs or replacement.

There are a lot of asphalt paving companies in. These companies contract jobs and take care in perfecting these jobs with skill and care. A lot of work goes into the project even before the pavement is poured. These companies are well-versed in all forms of asphalt applications.

Asphalt is the first component that comes to the mind when building quality pavements or driveways. The pavements are first cleared out and then the rubbles are removed. Then the asphalt is poured and compacted.

For some existing pavements and driveways, a clean sweep ensures that the surface remains unsoiled for the workers to save time and allow for quick setting of the asphalt mix. The preparation of the surface is very important while laying the asphalt. With most of the asphalt paving companies being registered in the local classifieds, a lot of people are aware of the kinds of work undertaken by them. They hire equally qualified and highly talented contractors to execute the project with great efficiency. They also look into the details of cost estimation and suggest quotes that are very much reasonable and affordable to the client.

They ensure the usage of high quality materials for mixing asphalt and the proportions are perfect in comparison to the binding agents. They are allowed to set after being heated with the right temperatures that allow the workers to spread the asphalt mixture well over the prepared surface. The contractors ensure that all defects are cleared and updated with new technologies and raised standards for the construction of driveways and pavements.