Three Ways to Prevent Asphalt Pavement Water Damage

Three Ways to Prevent Asphalt Pavement Water Damage

Three Ways to Prevent Asphalt Pavement Water Damage

Asphalt is an eco-friendly and low-maintenance paving choice, but that doesn't suggest it won't sustain damage — especially from Mother Nature. The rainy season is around the corner, so you need to begin preparing now for water damage and comprehend how it can influence your asphalt paving.

Pools of water aren't standard and shouldn't be overlooked. Standing water often leads to far more severe problems. Here's how to know there's damage being done to your asphalt pavement:

  • Bleeding: This occurs when the asphalt binder rises to the surface and makes a shiny film on your pavement. It's not a great look, but even worse, it can induce loss of traction and raise the likelihood of hydroplaning.
  • Rutting: Travel routes can leave tracks or indentations in your asphalt, which can go on to accumulate water and make those troughs deeper and more treacherous. Ruts can stop drivers from steering or stopping safely.
  • Raveling: Standing water can go deep into the asphalt, forcing the binder and aggregate to deteriorate. The top layers of asphalt can generate loose debris to form a rough surface that will decrease skid resistance and doesn't look appealing.
  • Foundation deterioration: If it's not addressed quickly, pooling water can ooze down to the foundation of your asphalt structure and lead to more severe alligator cracks, potholes, sinkholes, and low areas.

While you definitely can't regulate the weather, there are a few ways you can stop or repair water damage, beginning with choosing a quality contractor. When asphalt paving is done the first time correctly, it can resist far more water damage and demand less repair. Start by researching, asking for referrals, and visiting local projects for yourself to comprehend how quality paving looks.

Consider these factors, too:

Drainage systems

Incorporating a well-designed drainage system will go a long way toward redirecting the water flow so it doesn't pool or collect on your asphalt pavement. Take a look at your parking area after a spell of heavy rain; you'll understand where to install drainage when there is water collecting. Working with contractors helps you regulate the slope of the pavement to permit that water to drain away quickly.

Sealcoating

This is a favored method of asphalt pavement preservation. Not only does appropriate sealcoating by a skilled contractor help deter water from seeping into your asphalt, but it can also serve as a barrier to UV rays and fluids (like oil and transmission leaks) from automobiles that will lead to degradation. While sealcoating won't repair any cracks or potholes, it will preserve the current condition of your pavement, and it's recommended you have this performed every two to three years.

Crack filling

Natural oxidation often leads to minor cracks in your pavement over time, and while they may not appear to be a big deal, they can lead to significant issues. These cracks let more water seep into your pavement and debilitate the base, leaving you in a vicious cycle of deterioration. Have small cracks filled as you detect them to create a barrier and prevent this cycle from continuing.

These are just a few of the ways to prevent asphalt water damage. Contact us today for paving and sealcoating in Lodi, CA. We are here for you.

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