Five Asphalt Problems You Should Know About

Asphalt is a durable material that is both cost-effective and long-lasting with the right preventative measures. When you choose asphalt as your paving material, you need to know what to expect for preventative maintenance to keep your pavement looking great and staying safe. As experts in sealcoating in Stockton, CA, we understand how to detect and resolve problems with your asphalt. These are some of the most common asphalt problems you need to know about before investing in paved surfaces.

Bird Bath Depressions

These depressions in the pavement may have a cute name, but they can actually cause severe damage to your asphalt. When the pavement becomes depressed and forms a rut that allows water to pool, like a bird bath, it can eventually weaken the pavement and cause damage to the structure underneath. Depressions are caused by poor foundation and structure of the asphalt, which occurs during installation. When depressions are minor, they can be patched. However, as they grow more severe, you may need to remove and replace that portion of your asphalt.

Potholes

Similar to bird bath depressions, potholes can also wreak havoc on the integrity and strength of your asphalt. Potholes form when moisture damage erodes the surface of the asphalt, causing the top of the pavement to collapse and crack. This creates both eyesores and safety hazards to your paved areas. When you notice any potholes starting to form, you should get them patched by a professional as soon as possible to prevent further damages.

Alligator Cracking

Alligator cracking looks like it sounds. The cracks appear on your pavement in the pattern of the skin of an alligator, and these cracks can eventually lead to potholes. This type of cracking occurs when the structure of the asphalt is failing by either weakness in the base or moisture damage from poor drainage. To prevent alligator cracking, you want to perform routine sealcoating and patch areas affected by the cracking.

Edge Cracking

Edge cracking can appear up to two feet from the edge of your pavement. This type of cracking is most often caused by poor support towards the edge of your asphalt, which can cause cracking or crumbling around the perimeter of your pavement. To treat these issues, you should fill or seal the cracks. Then, you may need to address any structural issues towards the edge of your pavement to prevent them from returning.

Ruts

Ruts appear like depressions, but they occur in a linear pattern. They are shaped more like channels that are caused by lateral movements of the asphalt layers. This occurs because of insufficient thickness of your asphalt, a weak asphalt mix, poor drainage, water damage, or poor compaction of the asphalt layers. To treat minor ruts, our professionals will fill the rut and then use an overlay.

These are some of the most common asphalt problems that you should know about when you pave your driveways, roads, and parking lots. When you choose asphalt as your paving material, you should expect to perform routine sealcoating in Stockton, CA to keep your asphalt in great condition over time.

Contact the team at M Carroll Blacktop to hear about our asphalt paving and repair services today!