Asphalt is one of the most durable and versatile surfaces for roadways, parking lots, and driveways. It is strong enough to handle heavy trucks carrying heavy loads as easily as it can handle small cars and motorcycles. But it does have its own limitations.
Let’s look at 5 of the most common categories of asphalt damage.
1. Cracking
Cracking is perhaps the most common category of asphalt damage. Think about how much your asphalt is subjected to, day in and day out. Various everyday weather conditions, as well as extreme climate conditions can impact the asphalt. Sitting water due to drainage issues can impact the asphalt. And, although they are designed to handle heavy loads, these loads can stress the asphalt over time.
Professionals can take a look at what types of cracking your asphalt is experiencing and, from there, make the determination on how to proceed with the asphalt repair. This may involve patching, sealing, reconstructing, or replacing.
2. Depressions
Depressions are areas on the asphalt where water pools after rainfall. They are not necessarily potholes just yet, but they are indented more than the pavement around them. While they may not seem to be a burden now, if left untreated they could potentially cause bigger problems.
Calling in the professionals will likely heal the area with a surface patch. Although, if the depression is deep, then you may need to have the asphalt removed and replaced. Either way, it is a simple procedure that can save you from future headaches.
3. Potholes
Potholes can be a huge problem in some areas more than others. And oftentimes they are caused by water. When cracks are left untreated, water intrudes on the asphalt, slowly eroding it until it crumbles when a car drives over.
Without the proper attention, potholes can continue to grow and grow. Professionals can treat the area, usually by replacing the missing asphalt, so that it is even with the surrounding pavement – and no longer poses a risk to the cares of passing motorists.
4. Rutting
On heavily traveled roadways, rutting can become a problem. The markings – or ruts – that are left on a road after wheel paths are worn from use over and over again can leave the asphalt vulnerable.
Professionals address rutting issues by filling in the ruts and sealing them — or, if the ruts are too bad, removing and replacing the asphalt will usually do the trick.
5. Raveling
Asphalt is known to be a smooth surface. But as the little bits and pieces that make up the asphalt begin to disintegrate, it can lead to deterioration and unfriendly surfaces. This is known as raveling.
Thankfully, raveling is an asphalt damage problem that only impacts the surface. And many professionals will simply use an overlay to repair it.
Asphalt Damage Repair at Topwest Asphalt
If you have an asphalt roadway, parking lot, or driveway that has started to show signs of damage – or you are looking to do some preventative maintenance, you need Topwest Asphalt. Despite the asphalt damage that has occurred, various methods of professional asphalt repair offer many positive solutions that will have the surface healed of its faults in no time.
