Asphalt is one of the most popular road surfacing materials used in the United States. It is durable, weather-resistant, and can be installed quickly and easily.
However, asphalt is not invincible! Over time, it can sustain damage from a variety of sources. If you see any of the following five types of damage on your asphalt pavement, it’s time to call a professional for resurfacing services!
1. Asphalt Cracks
Cracks are the most common type of asphalt pavement damage, and they come in a range of sizes, from wide to thin. They can appear on the surface or run deep into your asphalt.
If you’re dealing with thin cracks that don’t go very deep (generally less than a quarter-inch), then crack sealing might be enough to solve your problem.
However, if the cracks are wide and deep, resurfacing is probably necessary.
2. Potholes
Potholes are another common type of asphalt pavement damage that often requires resurfacing. They occur when cracks grow large enough to allow water to get into your asphalt and eventually break it apart, leaving a hole in the surface.
You can temporarily patch up potholes with hot mix asphalt. Still, they will usually come back if you don’t have the pavement resurfaced.
3. Raveling
Raveling is the process of asphalt particles flaking off the surface of your pavement. It often happens when the top layer of asphalt wears away and exposes the underlying aggregate. This can lead to decreased traction and an increased risk of accidents.
Raveling can be fixed with a resurfacing treatment. Still, it’s essential to catch it early on, or it can become a bigger problem.
4. Alligatoring
Alligatoring is a cracking phenomenon that looks like the scales of an alligator. It’s usually caused by thermal cycling (the expansion and contraction of asphalt due to changes in temperature) or by introducing oil or other foreign substances into the pavement.
Alligatoring can be fixed with a resurfacing treatment, but it’s best to address it early on before the cracks get too big.
5. Ruts
Ruts are deep, wide depressions that can occur in the middle of a pavement or at its edges. They’re caused by heavy loads or excessive traffic volume.
If you catch rutting early on, it’s possible to fix them with a resurfacing treatment. But if they get too deep, it might be necessary to resurface the area completely.
The Final Word
Atkins Paving offers the best asphalt maintenance services. We are fully insured and licensed, so you can rest easy knowing that your project is in good hands.
We’ll handle everything from start to finish, including any necessary repairs or replacements, before we begin resurfacing your parking lot or driveway. You can trust our team with any size project because we always go above and beyond to ensure that every customer is satisfied with the results we deliver. We offer a one-year workmanship guarantee on our services!
If you want a beautiful new driveway or parking lot that will last for years, then give us a call today!
