No matter the age of your pavement, damage can happen at any time. But when should you bring in a paving expert to consult on repair services? Here’s some top signs to look out for in your asphalt:
Ponding
This refers to the standing water that occurs on pavement and does not disappear after a few days. Those puddles typically form because the asphalt has lost some of its base integrity, so the surface has become uneven or sunken. It could also be because it lacks proper water drainage, so the water has nowhere to go but in those sinking areas. The longer water sits, the more it starts to wear down the asphalt or initiate a freeze-thaw process on an already damaged area.
Potholes
In Minnesota, we deal with a lot of fluctuating temps, especially as we go from winter to spring. That period has then earned the nickname “Pothole Season” because of all the damage that starts to appear on roads and lots especially. Leaving potholes will only make them worse, and then you risk them damaging company or customer cars that drive over them.
Alligator Cracks
Named after the cracked surface of alligator skin, this damage starts off shallow, but it will often spread across a wide area. If the space between the cracks is less than a quarter inch, they might not need immediate repair, but you should still bring in a paving expert for a consultation. Repairs can differ with each asphalt, so a cracked surface on one lot might need a remove & replace service while the other needs completely new asphalt.
Warping or Sinking
If your drainage is adequate or there hasn’t been a lot of rain, it might be hard to spot warping if you’re not looking for it. Try to observe the surface or your pavement from an angle or pay attention when you’re driving over it. Does your car drop in certain areas, or do you trip a lot when walking over it? Then the surface has most likely warped, which could be due to a compromised base or heavy vehicle use. This could be solved in a couple different ways depending on the quality of the base, so it’s best to have it looked at first.
Discoloration
As with most materials that are exposed to the sun for long periods of time, asphalt will fade over time from its dark color to a lighter gray. That sign of age often means the pavement will be more susceptible to damage from the freeze-thaw effect, drainage issues, or heavy vehicle use. Plus, if the asphalt has a lot of stains from leaking car fluids, those stains can start to break down the sealcoating used to protect the pavement. In some cases, another sealcoating could be enough, or it could need new pavement.
If you’re in the Twin Cities area, Metro Paving Inc. has been a trusted paving expert since 1988, and we offer free estimates to help you decide the best plan for your needs. Give us a call if it’s time to give your pavement a face-lift.