When most people think of things that need maintaining, asphalt is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind. The roads under your feet feel so solid that it’s hard to imagine them being damaged.
Over time, though, asphalt wears out just like anything else. It’s important to keep something that’s used as often as a driveway or road in very good shape. Damaged asphalt is a very real hazard to pedestrians and vehicles.
So, when should you call in your asphalt paving company to fix your asphalt? It’s a good idea to learn to spot damaged or worn out asphalt yourself. Here are some signs you should be on the lookout for.
1. Cracks and Crevices
Large cracks in pavement should cause quite a bit of concern. These cracks are initially created because of heat expansion within the asphalt. The problem with cracks in asphalt is that certain fluids and other contaminants can seep into the cracks, forcing the cracks to open wider. Water, oil, gas, and salt are the main offenders of this.
While smaller cracks are not an immediate danger, large cracks are a tripping hazard for pedestrians, as well as possibly causing damage to vehicle tires. If you notice cracks that are wider than about half an inch, it’s probably a good time to call in your asphalt paving company for help.
2. Faded Asphalt
Asphalt spends all day baking in the heat of the sun. After a while, the sun will take its toll on driveways and pavement. Faded or discolored asphalt is usually a sign that the sun has weakened the road’s surface.
It is sometimes possible to prevent further damage by having your asphalt paving company seal the pavement. You should have the asphalt paving company inspect the asphalt because there is a good chance that discolored asphalt will need to be replaced altogether.
3. Potholes and Drainage
Potholes are pretty much the last thing you want on your asphalt. They can damage vehicle suspension, provide a tripping hazard for pedestrians, and are not easily fixable.
While sometimes there is an option for your asphalt paving company to patch potholes, this is only a temporary solution. The underlying problem that causes potholes is water underneath the asphalt, which freezes and melts. This causes the asphalt to expand, eventually weakening the area and causing a pothole.
Another common problem in asphalt roads is drainage. If the pavement has water that pools and doesn’t drain properly, that’s a sign that the asphalt probably needs replacing. Water buildup on your pavement for extended periods will weaken it, causing cracks, potholes, and other problems.
Drainage problems also sometimes have an easier solution, which is to have a drain installed. In some cases, this may be a cheaper option than outright replacing the entire section of asphalt.
Asphalt Paving Company | Melrose Paving |Toronto, Mississauga, GTA
If you’re looking for an asphalt paving company that will get the job done quickly and well, Melrose Paving is hard to beat. This year, we are celebrating our company’s 40th anniversary of serving Toronto and the GTA with all kinds of paving and asphalt services.
Our company’s success has come from understanding that customer satisfaction must always be our goal. We strive to keep our customer satisfaction rates as high as possible by keeping our projects ahead of the timeline, and exceeding expectations when it comes to quality and budget. Please contact us today to learn more.
● Asphalt might seem like a durable constant that will never break down, but it needs maintenance just like anything else.
● Sun, potholes, cracks, and water damage are just a few of the problems that might need the help of an asphalt paving company.
● Melrose Paving is the leader in paving contractors, and is the right choice when you need a paving job done right.
