Central Florida Paving

Central Florida Paving

Most Common Asphalt Driveway Problems

Asphalt is famous for its durability, so people choose it for building asphalt driveway, roads, and parking lots. Though, it may create issues in the future due to the following reasons high traffic load, aging, adverse weather effects, poor maintenance, and a poor foundation.    

In this article, we have discussed the common asphalt paving issues and solutions for fixing them. 

If you want to extend your asphalt pavement’s durability, follow the preventative maintenance rules strictly. 

The most common asphalt paving issues are;

1. RAVELING

Raveling is the breakdown or deterioration of asphalt when its components separate from the surface. It may result in an irregular surface leading to loose debris and standing water. 

HOW TO FIX RAVELING IN ASPHALT?

Professionals will remove the loose material first, then apply a simple asphalt patch.

If the raveled areas are more extensive, you should follow a long-term technique to eliminate the fresh overlay asphalt requiring asphalt professionals’ services. 

2. DEPRESSIONS

Depressions result from poor compaction during the ongoing paving procedure. If you do not fix them earlier, the accumulation of water and debris can damage the asphalt surface, weakening it. 

HOW TO FIX DEPRESSIONS IN ASPHALT?

The Professional will fix the minor depressions using an asphalt patch on the existing pavement. Though patching won’t resolve the issue permanently; therefore, eventually, the damaged area may sink. 

 3. POTHOLES

You find potholes in asphalt pavement due to frequent changes in the weather, standing water, or a heavy traffic load.  

Potholes in asphalt paving may lead to alligator cracking, also called fatigue cracking. When the alligator’s cracking advances, the interconnected cracks may produce chunks of pavement, dislodging the materials from the surface once the vehicles pass over them.  

HOW TO FIX POTHOLES IN ASPHALT?

There are several ways to fix such problems, such as;

  • Throw-and-roll.
  • Semi-permanent pothole patches.
  • Using compact patching material.

4. ALLIGATOR CRACKING

When the Structures in the asphalt combine due to a heavy traffic load, it may lead to alligator cracking. The other name for alligator cracking is fatigue cracking which is the most typical reason for the deterioration of asphalt paving. Professionals name them depending on the different patterns on an alligator’s back. 

HOW TO FIX ALLIGATOR CRACKING IN ASPHALT DRIVEWAY?

Apply seal coating to prevent water and debris from penetrating the cracks, as they may make it worse. Also, restrict the heavy traffic in the damaged area to avoid further damage. 

If you want to fix it permanently, hire professional services to resolve the underlying issues. They will strengthen the surface by removing the damaged area and replacing it with an adequately installed sub-base. 

5. LONGITUDINAL CRACKING

It occurs due to low temperatures in particular areas. These cracks extend in the direction of asphalt paving. 

HELP WITH ASPHALT LONGITUDINAL CRACKS

  • Utilize a crack sealant on more minor cracks (less than 1/2 inch wide) to stop moisture from seeping into the sub-grade layers through the cracks and to stop the edges of the gaps from raveling. 
  • Apply Seal coating over a broader region after crack sealing.
  • Larger Cracks (greater than 1/2 inch wide) – Consult with an asphalt expert to determine the root of your significant longitudinal cracks and offer a long-term fix.

6. BLOCK CRACKING

Poor paving methods or the use of old, dried-out asphalt can both cause it.

Block cracking is a group of wide, rectangular fractures in an asphalt pavement’s surface at least one foot in length.

Block cracking is a group of wide, rectangular fractures in an asphalt pavement’s surface at least one foot in length. Because this kind of asphalt flaw is not load-dependent, it frequently affects broad regions and may appear when there is no traffic.

Block cracking often occurs when an improper asphalt binder is used in the mix or when age-related hardening prevents the asphalt binder from expanding and contracting with temperature changes.

HOW TO FIX ASPHALT DRIVEWAY BLOCK CRACKING?

Depending on the size and severity of the cracks, professionals use different approaches to repair block cracking:

Use crack sealer on more minor block cracks (less than 1/2 inch wide) with minimal raveling to stop moisture from entering the subgrade through the cracks and the edges from raveling. Apply Sealcoating over a broader area after crack sealing.

Engage an asphalt expert to remove the damaged pavement layer and replace it with an overlay if the block cracks are more extensive (more than 12″ wide) and have ravelled edges.

7. EDGE CRACKS

Primarily, they occur due to dense traffic close to the pavement’s edge. Edge cracks can also develop due to poor underlying layers, inadequate drainage, and asphalt shrinkage.

Border cracks, which form within one to two feet of the pavement’s outer edge, are longitudinal cracks that are more frequent on rural roads and driveways than on city streets.

HOW TO REPAIR ASPHALT DRIVEWAY EDGE CRACKS?

Edge fracture prevention is far preferable to edge crack repair. Here are some pointers on how to go about it:

  • Make sure the pavement edge has adequate drainage.
  • Verify that your foundation is solid and well-coordinated.
  • As soon as the asphalt has dried, please treat it with sealant to shield it from the elements, temperature changes, and general wear and tear.

Conclusion:

Now you know different problems with asphalt paving; if you notice one, call/consult the professionals to discuss the ongoing issues and their solutions. 

Central Florida Paving focuses on each detail, ensuring you’ll obtain a premium asphalt surface that will remain for years with an incredible ROI (return on investment). 

 

Get a Free Quote