Tire Scuff Causes on Asphalt Pavement
If you recently paved your driveway or sealcoated in Texas, don't fret when you notice tire scuff marks. Tire scuffs are typical on newly constructed asphalt pavements and will vanish with time. Scuffing does not always indicate poorly completed construction or substandard paving. Instead, tire scuffs are rather typical, and measures to terminate them will only devastate the pavement's surface.
Still curious about what drives the tire scuff marks on your asphalt? Our experts on asphalt paving in San Antonio, TX, help you discover the typical causes of tire scuffs on new asphalt.
Pavement Age
A pavement with newly applied asphalt is inclined to scuff, particularly when automobiles are given admission before the established pavement cures. Tire scuffing is especially common in the first several months after application when the aggregate remains warm. After that, the pavement becomes invulnerable to scuffs, and the current tire scuffs disappear.
Driving Practices
Some individuals' driving habits are pretty poor. Practices such as sharp turns, hard braking, and speeding are infamous for producing skid marks and scuffs on a fresh seal coat. Engaging power steering in a stationary vehicle is another common cause of tire scuffs.
Automobiles with front-wheel drive mainly cause scuffing, particularly when you rotate the front wheels while the vehicle is idle. Protective measures can control people's dangerous driving habits on the pavement. First, you can establish security cameras and stop signs. Speed bumps and speed limit signs are other ways to enhance people's driving patterns.
Weather Conditions
Many areas in Texas have harsh climates, leading to the demand for asphalt. However, the time of the year decides how quickly the pavement cures. Contractors like to apply sealcoating and asphalt paving in San Antonio, TX, at the close of summer or during the autumn months for a reason. All kinds of asphalt aggregate require cool temperatures to cure properly.
When the earth absorbs moisture with warm weather, the asphalt curing process slows and makes the recently laid asphalt sensitive to scuff marks and other impairments from external factors. Hot tires from automobiles arriving off the highway also generate scuffs on the pavement, particularly during hot weather.
Kinds of Tires
Weighty tires found on trucks are likely to form scuff marks more than sedans or smaller automobile tires. Low-profile tires are pretty common today, and unlike traditional tires, low-profile tires require more tire pressure, which compels them to leave scuffs on the pavement. Aggressive tire tread designs also yield tire scuffs.
Asphalt Mixture
The asphalt mix composition specifies the efficacy of the pavement to withstand scuffing. If looks are a priority, small aggregates lead to a tight and smooth exterior that looks nice. Sadly, such pavement is inclined to scuffing.
On the other hand, rough aggregates are highly invulnerable to scuffs. Nevertheless, most individuals don't prefer coarse asphalt due to its rugged appearance. A paving contractor will advise you on the asphalt variety that fits your pavement.
Construction Problems
Although construction problems hardly happen, they can induce tire scuffing. For example, if the contractor forgets to compact the pavement adequately after applying the asphalt, tire scuffs are unavoidable. Also, the pavement will have scuff marks if the contractor's gear encroaches on freshly spread asphalt before it thoroughly cures.
Luckily, the scuff marks don't endure. They ultimately fade as the asphalt ages. Contact our experts on asphalt paving in San Antonio, TX, today if you need an expert asphalt contractor to handle your asphalt paving and repair services.