Neglected asphalt shows its deterioration and damage quickly, in as little as two years, as cracks and potholes rapidly develop. Deterioration can be caused by a variety of factors, including normal wear and tear from vehicle traffic, weather, and exposure to the sun. As deterioration worsens, small cracks begin to form and, if left untreated, these cracks can lead to more serious liability issues in your parking lot and roadway.
The best way to approach the analysis of your parking lot or roadway, is to examine the condition of your asphalt, concrete, and drainage. To determine your repair or maintenance needs it is best to speak with asphalt paving Charlotte NC professionals, below is a list of common paving problems and questions.
Cracking
In time, most parking areas will show some cracking. These may be caused by aging, and “the shrinkage of binder with age”, or by some movement of the pavement and underlying material. Cracks of this type are not a serious problem if maintained properly, but allowing these cracks to overrun your pavement or concrete will lead to failed areas costing you thousands.
Alligatoring
Also know as spider web cracks, these interconnecting cracks most often occur where simple linear cracks have been neglected and not properly sealed or filled. If left untreated, they continue to degenerate into liability issues such as potholes.
Raveling
Progressive fading of a black asphalt surface to shades of gray is evidence of oxidation, caused by exposure to the sun and weather conditions such as rain. This causes the binder in the pavement – the glue that holds the asphalt material together – to shrink and the aggregate in the asphalt to start to separate. This condition is termed “raveling”.
Potholes
Deterioration and cracking left untreated leads to potholes – large bowl-shaped openings that can be up to 10 inches deep. These liability concerns often develop from alligatored pavement and, without proper corrective repairs, can jeopardize the pavement’s base.
Curbing
Curbing differentiates the parking area from other parking areas, roadways, sidewalks, and landscaping. This control mechanism also restrains the flow of water from the parking area to the storm drain system. Curbing issues are usually associated with height considerations, including the proper elevation to prevent tripping hazards to pedestrians while still preserving the effectiveness of the curbing.
Drainage
Drainage systems are used to control rain, melting snow, irrigation, and other fluids that flow off of parking lots. If not functioning properly, drainage issues can lead to deterioration of the pavement around drains and manholes, puddling, and dangerous sinkholes.
Sealcoat
Sealcoat is much like painting a house in that it must be done consistently to prevent deterioration and breakdown of the asphalt. This “sun-block for your pavement” should ideally by applied at three-year intervals. This consistency will virtually eliminate the damage of deterioration caused by exposure to the sun and other harmful variables, thus extending the life of your valuable investment: your pavement.
If you feel that you face any of these problems in your parking lot or roadway, ask for a Free Pavement Analysis.