You have probably noticed at least one parking lot in which the asphalt has faded to an ugly gray or become riddled with large cracks or potholes. If you have ever seen new asphalt pavement, you know that it starts life with a smooth, unbroken surface that is a dark, rich, dramatic color. If you are wondering how new asphalt pavement can be transformed into an unsightly mess, you might be interested in what causes accelerated wear and tear on asphalt pavement.
Asphalt Maintenance Wear & Tear – Lack of Sealcoating
Without sealcoating, the color of asphalt pavement can quickly fade from black to gray. This is due to exposure to the UV rays emitted by the sun. However, sealcoating is more than a beauty treatment. It also helps asphalt pavement retain the moisture it needs to remain resilient and strong. The pavement dries out and begins to crack or crumble.
Asphalt Maintenance Wear & Tear – Poor Construction
Asphalt pavement is constructed in layers. The bottom layers are the materials used to construct the foundation upon which the courses of asphalt are layered. If the foundation is improperly constructed, it cannot support the pavement. Low spots, cracking and potholes can result.
Asphalt Maintenance Wear & Tear – Lack of Timely Repairs
As stated in the previous section, asphalt pavement needs a stable foundation. If cracks are not repaired promptly, and asphalt repair does not happen, water can seep underneath the pavement and destabilize the foundation. The cracks will continue to expand, allowing even more water to penetrate and more cracking to occur.
Asphalt Maintenance Wear & Tear – Site Issues
The soil upon which the pavement is constructed can be a factor in premature wear. If the soil has a lot of clay, it will swell during the rainy season and shrink during the dry season. When the ground rises and falls repeatedly, it forces the pavement and its foundation to move, resulting in cracks, low spots or potholes. Similar damages can be caused if the underlying soil has a lot of loose sand. Groundwater moving through sandy soil can cause erosion beneath the pavement.
Other Issues
There are also several other issues that can lead to the premature deterioration of asphalt pavement. These include:
• Tree roots growing beneath the pavement
• Allowing vehicles of heavier weights than the pavement was designed to bear
• Parking heavy equipment or 18-wheelers on the pavement for extended periods
• Oil or other automotive fluids that remain on the pavement long enough to penetrate the sealcoating
• Ground movement from seasonal freezing and thawing
At MH Greeson Paving, an asphalt paving company, can help customers in Atlanta, Marietta, Kennesaw, and the surrounding areas. We specialize in asphalt maintenance services, including crack filling, pothole repairs, asphalt sealcoating and parking lot striping. Our crews are highly qualified and committed to providing exceptional workmanship at affordable prices. If you would like to request a free estimate, you can complete the online form or call (770) 335-2983.
