Ensure the longevity of your asphalt pavement by doing regular maintenance. This will keep your pavement in good condition and prevent costly repairs. Whether you are working on an asphalt driveway or parking lot, regular maintenance will ensure a safe, beautiful, and functional pavement.
Asphalt is a paving material that is known for its unmatched quality. However, the material can deteriorate quickly, and it can also be a safety hazard. If you notice potholes or cracks in your asphalt surface, you should visit source and learn how to fix it as soon as possible. If you neglect to address the problem, you could face more serious issues such as repaving, which can cost a lot of money.
Potholes form when the base course of an asphalt pavement is weakened. This can be caused by poor drainage, installation errors, or too much weight in one area. When a pothole occurs, water penetrates the base course and causes it to soften. Eventually, it will break through the asphalt surface, causing damage to the load-bearing capacity of the pavement. Potholes can also lead to structural damage, requiring the asphalt to be repaired or replaced.
Potholes are usually the result of heavy traffic on the pavement. They appear in late winter or early spring. The potholes will need to be repaired to prevent damage to cars. If potholes occur frequently, they can create a safety hazard and may also be an indication of a more serious problem. Potholes are especially dangerous to pedestrians. Fortunately, you can prevent potholes by doing preventative maintenance.
Edge cracks are cracks that occur along the edge of the pavement. They may require the removal of vegetation and sealing to fix the crack. These cracks should be inspected regularly. Sealcoating can add a beautiful look to the surface and protect it from weather damage.
When asphalt oxidizes, it becomes brittle and prone to cracking. The color of the asphalt will darken and gray, and the asphalt will look more like gravel. To prevent cracking, you can apply a hot sealant that adheres to the surface. If the crack is too large to be repaired, it may be necessary to replace the entire pavement.
If you notice cracks or holes in your asphalt surface, you should call asphalt contractors in St. Petersburg FL immediately. They can patch the cracks or remove the damaged area to prevent further damage. When you call a contractor, be sure to have a scope of work drawn up before they begin work. Having a scope will help them know exactly what to do and ensure that the job is done properly.
Asphalt can also deteriorate due to water penetration. This is one of the most common reasons for pavement deterioration. It can also be caused by fuel leaks. Fuel leaks can also leave slick spots that can lead to further damage to the asphalt. You should remove these spots before they get bigger.
When repaving, you may be able to replace some of the broken asphalt by milling it away. Milling can be done quickly and at a fraction of the cost of reconstructing the entire pavement. Learn more about the topic above at https://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/chemistry/organic-chemistry/asphalt.