Whether it is a private driveway, commercial parking lot, or a public street, at some point, cracks will show up in the asphalt. These cracks, if left ignored, can become a bigger problem. Therefore, as soon as cracks become visible in the asphalt, we recommended fixing the problem right away or risk a bigger one down the road. In this article, we will discuss what cracks in asphalt mean and what you can do to address them.
Are The Cracks Bad?
If you notice cracks in the asphalt, then your asphalt is giving you a message. The cracks are not a good sign, and homeowners need to address them immediately. If homeowners ignore the crack, then the asphalt will deteriorate to a level where large potholes may develop.
What Are The Cracks Telling You
Cracks in asphalt are usually the first sign that there is something wrong. There can be many factors causing the cracks to occur. For example, increased traffic, poor drainage, excess weight, or even unnatural chemicals corroding the asphalt material.
Another thing the cracks might tell you is that the asphalt was laid improperly, to begin with. For example, if the asphalt begins to ravel, this indicates an improper first layer. In these situations, only a professional will be able to repair the problem.
Can The Cracks Be Repaired?
While technically you cannot repair a crack, you can fill them in. Paving experts can fill in the cracks through a rubberized sealer that bonds to asphalt. This sealer will preserve the asphalt and minimize further damage that can result if the cause of the cracks continues.
How Can You Limit The Cause Of Cracks?
As mentioned already, there are multiple reasons for cracks to occur. The most common cause in Florida, for example, is the intense heat from the Florida sun and poor water drainage from the rain. To prevent the cracking from the heat, it is often a good idea to place trees to create a canopy that will provide shade from the intense heat. As far as the water drainage design, you might need to make repairs to allow for better drainage into retention ponds or storm gutters.
Damage resulting from increase traffic flow might not be able to prevent, short of limiting the weight and size of the vehicles allowed to use the asphalt. It is also essential to clean any chemical spills such as motor oil, antifreeze, or coolant that might leak from a car. These chemicals, over time, can dissolve and break down the asphalt components.
What Is The Best Way To Increase The Life Of My Asphalt?
The best way to increase the life of your asphalt is through regular maintenance. Therefore, it is crucial to get regular sealing done for your asphalt to ensure a longer life expectancy.
Contact Us
If your asphalt is starting to crack, contact Hicks Asphalt, Paving, & Concrete. Our trained technicians will not only repair your asphalt but offer suggestions and solutions on how to minimize the damage in the future.
