Why Not To Ignore Small Asphalt Cracks?
Why Not To Ignore Small Asphalt Cracks?
Small cracks in asphalt can turn into bigger cracks and potholes that are more costly to fix. Why not take the time to address them before they grow into more serious damage?
Safety Hazard
Small asphalt cracks in a parking lot or driveway can be a big nuisance, especially when they become larger and require repair. Whether you’re an owner, manager or contractor, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with ignoring this issue and fix them as soon as possible. Besides being a safety hazard, small cracks in your asphalt can also lead to other issues. For example, they can be a sign of poor quality asphalt binder. They can also be a sign of subbase failure. This can occur when the layers beneath the pavement begin to shift and move. If these cracks are left unrepaired, they will eventually grow and eat away at the pavement. This can be a huge inconvenience and cost your business money in the long run. Thankfully, there are several ways to fix these cracks and prevent them from getting worse. First, you need to identify the severity of the problem.
What Causes Asphalt To Crack?
There are many causes of asphalt cracking including harsh weather, drainage problems, poor quality materials, and traffic loads. Proper identification of the type of crack and the reason for its occurrence is vital to timely maintenance. Fatigue cracking is a common problem that is load-dependent, and occurs when there is an inability of the asphalt binder to expand and contract with temperature cycles. It can be repaired by tearing out the distressed area material and replacing it with a new, sturdier layer of asphalt.
Plan Ahead When It Comes To Repairs
The most common cause of these unsightly imperfections is a combination of weather and poor asphalt maintenance practices. Specifically, the sun dries out the oil, tar and bitumen that make up the asphalt and causes it to expand and contract in ways that can lead to cracks in the pavement. A good way to avoid these little misses is to monitor the weather forecast and plan your next asphalt touch up on a calendar. The best time to do this is in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, the skies are clear and you have two or three dry days in a row. The most important part of this process is to remove any loose debris from the small crack in question. The best way to do this is by using a sturdy screwdriver or similar tool. The next step is to fill the ding dang in question with a high quality cold pour asphalt crack filler that will stand the test of time.
Get Professional Help
Whether you’re a landlord or a property manager, small asphalt cracks are not something to ignore. Luckily, they’re easily remedied by a simple asphalt patching product. However, for larger cracks, a more professional repair solution may be necessary. A quick fix involves filling and sealing the cracks to prevent water ingress, but a long term solution usually includes removing the cracked pavement and replacing it with new. This can be accomplished by repairing the sub-base, asphalt mix and fixing any drainage issues. It’s a good idea to engage an asphalt professional for these services.
Categorised in: Asphalt Contractor, Asphalt Driveways, Asphalt Paving, Asphalt Repair, Commercial Parking Lot Repair
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