Over time, any asphalt pavement is going to need some maintenance.
An asphalt surface is durable and should last for decades, but that doesn’t mean it won’t need some occasional maintenance. At Tucker Paving, we have noted a few common problems that asphalt pavement can have, and we’d like to offer some solutions to save you time and money.
Maintaining Asphalt
When you have the asphalt laid, Tucker Paving strongly recommends that you invest in a layer of seal coating within the first year in order to protect and strengthen the pavement and help avoid some common issues that asphalt can have.
- Discoloration and drying. Being exposed to the UV light of the sun as well as traffic and pollutants, asphalt will eventually become faded and gray. This is a sign that the asphalt is drying out and oxidizing. The oxidized asphalt will become more brittle and prone to cracking.
- Cracking. As asphalt ages, it may crack. The cracks will expand over time, allowing water to penetrate the pavement. Asphalt crack sealing is necessary to prevent further expansion and water damage.
- Raveling. When the binder holding the bits of aggregate in place deteriorates, it causes raveling. The asphalt will become thinner and create weakened voids where water can seep through to the base material.
- Growing plants. Cracks and holes in the asphalt can allow room for weeds to take hold. This is unsightly and detrimental to the pavement, as the growing vegetation and roots will widen existing gaps and make it easier for water to make its way beneath the surface and erode the base materials.
Nip Problems in the Bud
Catch these issues quickly and call Tucker Paving to come out to do any necessary repairs or sealing. The best way to protect your investment in asphalt pavement is to be aware of any problem areas and take steps immediately to correct those problems before more costly damage can be done.