The main ingredients of asphalt pavement are aggregate and sand with a small amount of asphalt added as a binder. The asphalt binder is what deteriorates through exposure to oxygen, causing most pavement damage. Although other things can damage asphalt pavement, including hidden construction errors, most types of damage can be eliminated or minimized by a proactive, professional parking lot maintenance program.
What May Be Damaging Your Asphalt? | Marietta, Georgia
How Is Asphalt Pavement Affected by Natural Oxidation?
As soon as the asphalt pavement is laid down, its exposure to oxygen begins the process of oxidation. Oxidation weakens the asphalt binder and causes cracks to form. When cracks form, they let moisture penetrate the surface, leading to potholes and other kinds of surface damage. Eventually, the moisture will penetrate down to the base layers, undermining the integrity of the foundation. A weakened foundation can result in pavement subsidence, alligator cracking and the formation of numerous large potholes.
How Does Weather Damage Asphalt Pavement?
Weather of all kinds will take its toll on an asphalt surface. Freeze and thaw cycles can cause the asphalt to buckle and break. Water that freezes within tiny cracks can transform them into much larger openings. Heavy hail can damage the sealcoating by wearing it down, especially if it is already weakened from age. Water that remains on the asphalt surface after a storm should be investigated immediately as this could be a sign of a failing foundation or a drainage problem.
However, of all the natural elements that can exacerbate the effects of oxidation, the sun’s rays are arguably the most dangerous to asphalt pavement. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, and these UV rays help break down the molecular structure of asphalt. The pavement becomes faded and loses its moisture. This causes it to become prematurely brittle. Fortunately, asphalt sealcoating can block UV rays, and it will also restore faded pavement to a rich, dark color. Most pavements need to have fresh sealant applied every 18 to 24 months, but you should consult a reputable asphalt sealcoating contractor to determine the best schedule for your particular needs.
Does Traffic Cause Damage to Asphalt Pavement?
Every asphalt pavement is engineered to support a specific weight and number of vehicles daily. Vehicles that exceed that volume or that are heavier than the pavement was built to withstand can damage your asphalt pavement. For example, if 200 cars are expected to travel on a residential street each day, the pavement can suffer severe damage if work on a major thoroughfare forces thousands of cars a day to detour down that street for an extended time. Similarly, a parking lot designed strictly for passenger vehicles can be damaged if fully loaded tractor-trailers begin parking on or driving across the pavement.
What Should Be Included in a Parking Lot Maintenance Program?
Having an ongoing pavement preventive maintenance program can save you a lot of headaches and a substantial amount of money.
1. Watch for the appearance of any small problems and report them to a paving contractor as quickly as possible. Problems caught early can usually be repaired much easier and less expensively.
2. Keep the asphalt surface free of debris and vegetation. Piles of trash, leaves and grass clippings trap moisture beneath them. Moisture is not good for an asphalt surface, but it can also promote the growth of mold. Some debris can also stain your pavement.
3. Remove any oil and chemical spills quickly and completely. Oil, gas, hydraulic fluid and similar spills can break down the binder in asphalt pavement. Asphalt sealing can buy you a little more time to remove petrochemical spills, but it is not enough to halt their progress completely.
4. Watch for puddles of water that collect in low spots. This could be the result of a construction error, but it could also indicate foundation damage.
5. Maintain your asphalt sealcoating. Have your sealcoating contractor apply fresh sealant on a regular schedule. If you notice that the sealant is flaking, cracking or peeling between applications, you may need to accelerate the schedule.
MH Greeson is an asphalt company and we specializes in helping customers in Marietta, Atlanta, and throughout North Georgia extend the life of their pavements. Our services include sealcoating, crack repairs, parking lot striping and pavement marking, traffic signs, asphalt overlays, bollards and asphalt patching. We are known for providing high-quality work at affordable rates. You can request a free quote by filling out the online form or calling 770-335-2983.
