Asphalt is a common material for parking lots, driveways, and roads because of its durability and affordability. However, problems can occasionally be caused by the environment, aging, lack of maintenance, heavy traffic, or even poor site preparation.
Here we look at how to repair commercial asphalt that has been damaged.
Identify the Damage
The first step to repairing commercial asphalt damage is to identify the issue. Common problems include cracking, staining, and deterioration. If you’re not sure what’s causing the issue, you may need to consult a professional.
How to Repair Raveling in Asphalt
Pavement deterioration caused by the loss of asphalt and rocks is known as raveling.
The first step in repairing a raveled asphalt surface is to remove all loose material. If the raveling is limited to a small area, you will just need to apply a simple asphalt patch. However, if the damage is more extensive, it is best to remove the raveled pavement and then cover it with new asphalt. This will require the services of an asphalt professional.
How to Fix Depressions in Asphalt
Depressions are low spots on the pavement that don’t go through the asphalt, and they’re usually brought on by shoddy paving work that didn’t properly compact the soil. Depending on your budget and needs, you have both temporary and long-term options.
A straightforward asphalt patch placed on top of the current pavement will temporarily repair minor depressions. Patching, however, won’t address the underlying issue of poor compaction, which means the affected area may continue to sink.
For permanent repair of asphalt depressions, the affected area must be removed, the poor subgrade replaced, and a full-depth patch applied over the repaired subgrade.
How to Fix Alligator Asphalt Cracking
One of the most frequent causes of asphalt pavement degradation over time is fatigue cracking, also known as alligator cracking.
Applying crack filler or seal coating as a temporary fix will stop water and other debris from seeping into the cracks and causing them to widen. Then, if possible, restrict vehicular traffic in the affected area so that vehicles will not damage the asphalt surface any further.
To permanently fix an area of alligator cracking in asphalt pavement, it is necessary to dig beneath the surface to identify the underlying issues, then strengthen the base of the asphalt. This calls for qualified professionals who will remove the damaged asphalt section and replace it with a sub-base that has been properly installed and new asphalt surface.
How to Fix Longitudinal Asphalt Cracking
Cracks in asphalt paving that run longitudinally (along a driveway or road) are cracks that occur where the asphalt was applied.
Use a crack sealant on smaller cracks (less than 1/2 inch wide) to stop moisture from penetrating the subgrade layers through the cracks and to stop the edges of the cracks from raveling. After crack sealing, make sure to apply a new seal coating.
If your cracks are wider than ½” wide, you should consult a professional asphalt contractor who can diagnose the cause and recommend a long-term fix.
At Tristar Paving, we provide high-quality asphalt paving, asphalt repair and asphalt maintenance to residential, commercial municipal and industrial clients. Get in contact with us today to get started fixing your asphalt problems.