A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Top Causes for Asphalt Repair

 

Asphalt surfaces are widely used in parking lots, roads, and even residential driveways. They are favored by many homeowners and business owners across the United States because of their durability and affordability. However, despite their resilience, they still require maintenance and repair over time. In this blog post, we will discuss the top causes for asphalt repair that you should know about to ensure that your pavement remains functional and safe. Whether you are looking for contractors in asphalt paving in Sacramento CA or simply curious about asphalt repair, this blog post is for you.

 

1. Water Damage

It's no secret that water is a significant contributor to asphalt damage. Over time, excessive rainfall, snow, and ice can cause cracks and potholes to form on the surface of your asphalt. The water seeps into the pavement and freezes when the temperature drops causing a significant amount of pressure that can widen or deepen the cracks. If you don't repair these cracks quickly enough, they can lead to more serious problems such as sinkholes.

2. Heavy Traffic

Asphalt surfaces are built to withstand heavy loads, but they're not invincible. The constant pressure from heavy vehicles can eventually cause wear and tear on the pavement. This can cause cracks, potholes, and other forms of damage that require immediate repair. More specifically, frequent heavy loads on asphalt surfaces cause a gradual breakdown of the binder that holds the pavement together. This can lead to cracking, rutting, or distortion of the pavement.

3. Sun Damage

Extreme heat can cause asphalt surfaces to crack and fail over time. The excessive heat dries out the oil that binds the pavement together, causing it to become brittle and prone to cracking. The sun's ultraviolet rays can also discolor the pavement, causing it to look worn-out and unattractive. Fading and deterioration of the pavement signal the need for immediate repair.

4. Lacking Maintenance

Neglecting regular maintenance is one of the leading causes of asphalt repair. Regular maintenance includes sealcoating, crack sealing, sweeping, and removing debris. When these maintenance procedures are not carried out as required, the pavement becomes susceptible to damage caused by water, excessive loads, and other factors. Therefore, it is crucial to hire a professional asphalt paving contractor in Sacramento to ensure that your pavement is regularly maintained, reducing repair costs.

5. Poor Installation

Finally, poor installation is a primary cause of asphalt repair. Unfortunately, some contractors may take shortcuts to save money or time during the installation process, which can cause serious issues with your pavement later on. When the foundation is not appropriately prepared, the pavement may not be thick enough, or the pavement may be installed in unfavorable weather conditions, which can cause it to fail prematurely.

 

Conclusion

Now that you know the top causes for asphalt repair, it's essential to consider the experience and reputation of a contractor before hiring them for asphalt paving in Sacramento, CA. M. Carroll Blacktop Services are a highly experienced and reputable contractor that provides quality asphalt paving services to residential and commercial customers in Sacramento and beyond. Contact us today for a free quote, and we will be happy to attend to your needs. Remember, proactive maintenance is essential in avoiding costly asphalt repair, so don't wait until it's too late!