When to repair or replace Asphalt Paving

Your house or business' image will depend on how well you maintain your asphalt paving. Minor damage can quickly become more serious and expensive, and may even require a complete replacement. Here are four signs that your asphalt needs professional attention to ensure you get the best out of it.

1. Cracks

Pavement cracks can occur when it has experienced freeze-thaw cycles in spring and winter. Water seeping into pavement can cause cracks or worsen existing cracks. Intervention is possible for any amount of cracking, but it all depends on how severe the cracking is.

• Minor cracks can and should be fixed by a paving contractor before they become more severe.
• The alligator cracks are large networks of cracks that look just like an alligator's scaly face. They indicate that foundational damage has caused the entire surface to crack.

2. Potholes

Potholes can be dangerous and a nuisance. Potholes are similar to cracks and are usually caused by water seeping beneath the pavement. It freezes, expands, and moves the soil, creating a hole in spring. The soil is displaced by the pavers, which results in a hole.

Potholes must be repaired every year. If you see them in the pavement, it is likely that the foundation has been compromised and should be replaced.

3. Swimming pool

If water forms puddles on the pavement, it is likely that the surface is not level. If left unattended, the water can cause structural damage to the pavement by seeping through it and compromising its foundation. This leaves asphalt vulnerable to other types of damage. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to resurface the entire thing. Sometimes, just improving drainage is enough to divert water from the pavement.

4. Fading

If your pavement's color changes from dark black to light grey, this is a sign that it has been exposed to UV rays and chemicals. Regular seal coating applications can help delay this. If the coatings stop working, it is time to have the entire structure resurfaced.