The surface of your asphalt is incredibly important. Not only does it need to be smooth and free from cracks, but also strong enough to withstand the wear and tear that comes with weathering. Unfortunately, not all asphalt is created equal. If your parking lot is starting to show signs of deterioration, it can be a hazard for drivers and pedestrians alike. Our Autumn Asphalt Maintenance Checklist makes it easy to recognize these signs:
Potholes
Potholes are a huge problem for asphalt pavements. Potholes can cause a lot of damage to the surface of the asphalt, not to mention they’re a hazard to drivers and pedestrians alike. Potholes form because water seeps into cracks in the pavement, then freezes and expands as it turns into ice. This creates a void which is then filled with debris that’s carried by traffic or people walking by. The size of potholes vary depending on the extent of the damage done but no matter how big or small it is, you should have it fixed as soon as possible!
Cracks
Cracks come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be caused by a few different things. Crack patterns form on asphalt pavements because of the variability in thermal expansion that is seen, as well as the difference in physical properties between asphalt and materials that are used to seal it. Cracking is also more likely to happen where tire traffic is present, such as near intersections. The effects of these cracks can be devastating for drivers and pedestrians alike–they not only look unappealing but they can lead to uneven surfaces and make drivers feel like they’re on ice! This is why it’s important to fix cracks as soon as possible; otherwise, they’ll continue to expand until eventually your whole surface will need repairing.
Stains
If your parking lot experiences a lot of vehicle traffic then you’re more than likely to find a few stains throughout. Oil and other automotive stains can not only ruin the appearance of your asphalt surfaces, but even more concerning, these fluids can also cause the deterioration of the bitumen binding agents used to keep your asphalt intact. They’re caused by oil or other substances which were spilled on your surface, or leaked from someone’s vehicle. Oil stains are difficult to clean up but there are methods that include adding Portland cement or sodium silicate to the area and then covering it with aggregate. However, if you can’t remove the oil stains altogether, try adding a couple layers of asphalt sealer to protect the top layer from spills.
Raised or uneven surfaces
Raised or uneven surfaces can be caused by a number of factors such as incorrect design and materials, and the expansion and contraction of moisture that settles below the surface during the freeze/thaw winter weather. A lot of times these uneven surfaces can be fixed by adding a layer on top of the existing surface, but sometimes it’s necessary to remove the old asphalt and start fresh. This problem is especially present in parking lots where heavy vehicles, such as snow plows drive back and forth. The blades of these plows can cause chips, gouges and holes when the leading to more damage during the winter months when
Uneven surfaces can make driving a nightmare for drivers, not to mention it’s dangerous. In the wintertime when there’s snow or ice on the ground it can also make walking potentially hazardous. If you have this problem then you should try to fix it because it can pose a hazard to your business and even if it doesn’t, then you should put a lot of effort into fixing it because it just looks terrible!
Forgetting Basic asphalt Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is important for asphalt pavements to maintain their surface’s integrity. One of the most common methods of doing this is sealing. Sealcoating provides several benefits, including preventing cracks and potholes, resisting chemical spills and preserving the color of your pavement. The sealer also helps protect asphalt surfaces from environmental wear and tear, UV rays (ultraviolet radiation) and chemical corrosion.
Asphalt is damaged by time and use; therefore, there’s nothing that will stop damages from happening altogether. The best thing you can do is be proactive and take care of your surface before problems arise! Baughman Magic Seal can help maintain, restore and resurface your damaged parking lot and driveway. Call us today at (716) 836-8880.