Asphalt is an excellent material for producing a superior pavement. A properly designed and constructed asphalt roadway or parking lot can survive for two decades or more if proper paving maintenance is performed routinely throughout its life.
What Are the Enemies of Asphalt Pavement?
Who Is Your Asphalt Pavement Contractor?
Choosing the right asphalt pavement contractor is the most important step to ensure the integrity and long life of your asphalt pavement. Proper design and layout should be planned by a professional and experienced asphalt pavement contractor with a proven history of reliable work. The materials used in the initial construction of the pavement should produce a finished product that meets the expectations of its intended use. Proper equipment and trained, experienced personnel will help ensure that your contractor provides an asphalt pavement that is built correctly.
Is Water Damaging Your Asphalt Pavement?
Properly constructed asphalt pavement should not have standing water after it has rained. Water should be diverted off the surface and into adequate drainage away from the pavement. Standing water on the pavement may indicate that the base layers have failed.
Routine paving services performed on the asphalt pavement should include asphalt sealing every two to three years. A professionally applied seal coat material will revitalize the appearance of the asphalt surface, but more importantly, it will protect and waterproof the pavement. Before the seal coat is applied, a reputable contractor will fill all significant cracks. Cracks in the asphalt will allow water to enter deep into the structure of the pavement. Left unrepaired, cracks will develop into potholes, leading to the eventual failure of the base layers. If you need parking lot sealcoating, keep in mind that new lot striping will need to be applied after the sealant has dried.
Does the Sun Damage Asphalt Pavement?
The sun’s damaging UV rays will cause the asphalt binder within the pavement to become brittle. This is another reason why routine sealcoating is important. The sealcoating material provides a protective layer that prevents premature deterioration from exposure to the sun.
Can Chemicals Damage Asphalt Pavement?
Oil and other chemicals that drip onto asphalt pavement from vehicles should be removed as quickly as possible. Petroleum-based products react with the asphalt, leaving the pavement soft and accelerating its deterioration. A sealcoating material that is present and in good condition will deter the reaction, but the petrochemicals will eventually eat away the sealcoating and penetrate the asphalt pavement.
What Role Does Traffic Play?
Your asphalt pavement was constructed to support an anticipated amount and type of traffic. Heavier or more numerous vehicles will have a damaging effect on the asphalt pavement. Cracks may appear more often, ruts may form, the base layers may be damaged, and alligator cracking may develop. Reconstruction may become necessary.
Is It Safe to Plant Trees Near Asphalt Pavement?
It depends on the type of tree and the proximity of the tree to your pavement. Your tree itself may be safe, but its root system can cause damage to the asphalt pavement as the roots grow and seek moisture. Proper design of the roadway or parking lot is important to eliminate any future problems that may occur as trees mature, but it is also important to select the right trees for the location. Some trees produce roots that grow near the surface and spread over a substantial area. Other trees have deep roots that have a limited spread, and these species may be safer alternatives. Ask your paving or landscaping contractor for advice on the type and placement of trees.
Can MH Greeson Help?
MH Greeson has the experience and skills needed to help you defend your pavement against its enemies. We can create a paving maintenance program that is customized to meet your specific requirements. We offer a wide selection of paving services, including asphalt sealing, crack repairs, lot striping and pavement markings, and traffic signs. We are known throughout North Georgia for our extraordinary craftsmanship and our affordable rates. It is easy to request a free quote from us; just call 770-335-2983 or complete the online form.
