Asphalt is a popular choice for roadways, driveways, and parking lots. It’s known for its resilience and cost-effectiveness.
Like any other material exposed to the elements, asphalt is prone to various issues like cracks and other blemishes that can compromise its longevity and functionality.
Proper repair and maintenance practices make it possible to restore asphalt surfaces and give them a new lease on life.
In this blog, CSI Paving, Inc’s seasoned asphalt contractors help you explore some of the most common pavement problems and provide practical solutions to help you preserve your pavement investment.
Asphalt Cracking
One of the most prevalent issues with asphalt is cracking, which can occur for various reasons. From temperature fluctuations to heavy traffic loads, cracking threatens the structural integrity of your pavement.
Types of Cracks
Alligator cracking: Resembling the pattern of alligator scales, this cracking typically occurs due to heavy traffic loads.
Linear cracking: Caused by poor installation, inadequate compaction, or temperature fluctuations, linear cracks run parallel to the pavement edges.
Transverse cracking: These perpendicular cracks are often a result of temperature-related stress.
Solutions for Fixing Cracked Pavement
Crack sealing: Early detection is crucial. Seal cracks promptly to prevent water penetration and further damage.
Asphalt patching: Consider patching with hot mix asphalt to restore structural integrity for larger cracks.
Routine maintenance: Implement a proactive maintenance plan, including regular inspections and prompt repairs.
If you don’t have the skills to make these repairs, it’s best to outsource the job to a licensed contractor to ensure adequate and lasting results.
Asphalt Potholes
Potholes are a common issue on asphalt surfaces. They often develop for several reasons, including water infiltration, freeze-thaw cycles, and excessive traffic.
What Causes Potholes?
Water infiltration: Moisture seeping into pavement weakens the base and contributes to pothole formation.
Freeze-thaw cycles: Water expands when it freezes, creating pressure on the asphalt surface and causing cracks and potholes.
Traffic: Frequent and heavy loads can accelerate the deterioration process.
Solutions for Putting Potholes in the Past
Patching: Potholes should be promptly patched using suitable materials to prevent further damage.
Surface drainage: Improve water runoff with proper drainage systems to minimize water infiltration.
Routine inspections: Regularly inspect your asphalt for early signs of deterioration and address issues as soon as possible.
Asphalt Rutting
Rutting, or depressions in an asphalt surface, is a common issue, especially in areas with above-average traffic flow. Deterioration occurs when the asphalt pavement undergoes constant stress and is exposed to environmental factors like temperature fluctuations. It’s characterized by the formation of longitudinal depressions over time.
The severity of rutting can vary, ranging from minor surface deformations to more profound depressions that compromise the road’s integrity and safety.
Rutting Pavement Causes
Poor installation: Inadequate compaction during installation can lead to rutting over time. This is an excellent reason to hire a certified contractor when you need new asphalt installed or replaced.
Insufficient base: A weak or poorly designed base can’t withstand heavy loads. When a weak base is present, it can result in rut formation over time.
Overloading: Excessive weight from overloaded trucks and other heavy vehicles can cause permanent deformations.
Solutions for Avoiding Pavement Rutting
Strengthen the base: Ensure proper base construction and compaction during installation.
Load restrictions: Implement load restrictions to prevent damage from overweight vehicles.
Asphalt overlay: Apply a new layer of asphalt to address rutting issues and provide a smoother surface.
Fading and Oxidation
Asphalt surfaces can experience color fading and oxidation, leading to a worn and aged appearance. Failure to correct fading and oxidation in asphalt leads to reduced aesthetic appeal, accelerated deterioration, increased maintenance costs, and safety hazards.
Oxidation also shortens your pavement’s lifespan and negatively impacts property values.
Causes of Fading and Oxidation
Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays breaks down the asphalt’s binder, causing color fading.
Oxidation: Oxygen exposure leads to the oxidation of asphalt, resulting in a brittle and grayish appearance.
Lack of seal coating: Sealcoating helps safeguard asphalt from UV rays and oxidation. When present, it provides a robust layer of protection against harmful ultraviolet rays, chemicals, and moisture.
Solutions for Minimizing Asphalt Oxidation and Color Fading
Sealcoating: Apply a quality seal coat to protect your asphalt surface from the sun’s rays and the effects of oxidation.
Regular maintenance: Periodic seal coating and routine maintenance will help you extend the lifespan of your asphalt pavement.
Asphalt Bleeding
Asphalt bleeding, or flushing, occurs when too much asphalt binder rises to the surface, creating a shiny and sticky appearance.
When this common issue goes unrepaired, the excess binder on the surface can lead to reduced skid resistance, making the road hazardous for drivers. Prolonged exposure to traffic and weather elements may exacerbate the bleeding and compromise your pavement’s structural integrity.
Causes of Asphalt Bleeding
Excessive asphalt binder: Overapplication of asphalt binder during installation leads to problems with asphalt bleeding.
High temperatures: Elevated temperatures soften the asphalt binder, causing it to rise to the surface.
Poor mixing methods: Inadequate mixing methods can result in an imbalance of asphalt binder and aggregates.
Solutions for Stopping Asphalt From Bleeding
Blotting: When mixing asphalt, remove excess asphalt binder by blotting with sand or other absorbent materials.
Adjust mixing strategy: Work with a qualified contractor to make sure your asphalt is mixed correctly.
Temperature control: Avoid asphalt installation during extremely high temperatures to minimize bleeding.
Asphalt Raveling
Raveling happens when the surface aggregate of the asphalt pavement becomes loose and separates from the binder. Over time, raveling will create potholes and deepening surface irregularities.
It may result in increased water infiltration, accelerating deterioration, and require more extensive rehabilitation measures to restore the surface’s functionality and safety.
What Causes Asphalt Raveling?
Insufficient binder: Inadequate application of the asphalt binder can lead to poor aggregate adhesion.
Aging: Asphalt surfaces can become brittle over time, causing the aggregate to loosen.
Poor drainage: Water infiltration can accelerate the deterioration of the asphalt surface, leading to raveling.
Solutions for Preventing the Raveling Process From Ruining Your Paved Surfaces
Resurfacing: Apply a new asphalt layer to enhance the surface and restore its integrity.
Crack sealing: Prevent water infiltration by sealing cracks promptly to minimize raveling.
Routine maintenance: Regularly inspect and address issues to prevent the progression of raveling.
Consult an Asphalt Contractor for Lasting Solutions
Addressing asphalt issues early on can save you time and money, preserving the integrity of your asphalt pavement for years to come. CSI Paving, Inc is a licensed contractor happy to oversee your asphalt restoration project and help you eliminate any hassle.
Call (310) 612-1359 if you have questions or want to hear more about our services.