The Top 5 Common Asphalt Problems and How Professional Repair Can Fix Them
Asphalt is a durable, cost-effective material commonly used for parking lots, driveways, and roadways. However, even the best asphalt surfaces are prone to wear and tear over time due to traffic, weather conditions, and natural aging. For business owners and property owners, understanding common asphalt problems is essential for maintaining a safe, functional, and asphalt surface. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five most common asphalt issues and explain how professional asphalt repair services from ACPLM can restore your pavement and extend its lifespan.
1. Potholes
Potholes are one of the most visible and common asphalt problems, often caused by a combination of heavy traffic, moisture infiltration, and temperature fluctuations. As water seeps into cracks in the asphalt and expands, it weakens the underlying layers and causes the pavement to break apart. When vehicles drive over these weakened areas, potholes form.
Why Potholes Are a Problem:
- Safety Hazard: Potholes pose a safety risk for both vehicles and pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Damage to Vehicles: Driving over potholes can damage tires, suspension systems, and alignment, potentially leading to costly repairs for drivers.
- Negative Curb Appeal: Potholes create an unappealing appearance.
How Professional Asphalt Repair Can Fix Potholes:
- Pothole Patching: Professional paving contractors fill potholes with hot asphalt mix, ensuring a smooth, even surface.
- Infrared Repair: Infrared asphalt repair uses heat to soften the surrounding asphalt, allowing it to blend seamlessly with new material, providing a more durable fix.
- Preventative Sealcoating: Asphalt sealcoating is applied after repairs to protect the surface from further damage caused by water, chemicals, and UV rays, reducing the risk of new potholes forming.
2. Cracks in the Asphalt
Cracks are a common problem in asphalt parking lots and driveways, often caused by weather, heavy traffic, and natural aging. While small cracks may seem harmless, they can quickly expand and lead to more severe damage, such as alligator cracking.
Types of Asphalt Cracks:
- Alligator Cracking: This type of cracking resembles the scales of an alligator’s back and is caused by repeated stress and structural failure in the pavement’s base.
- Linear Cracks: These are long, straight cracks often caused by temperature changes or shrinkage of the asphalt.
- Edge Cracks: These develop along the edges of the pavement and are often caused by insufficient support or drainage issues.
How Professional Asphalt Repair Can Fix Cracks:
- Crack Sealing: Paving contractors use a hot rubberized sealant to fill and seal cracks, preventing water infiltration and further damage.
- Overlaying: In cases of extensive cracking, an asphalt overlay can be applied to create a smooth, new surface over the existing pavement.
- Proper Drainage Solutions: Repairing cracks often involves addressing drainage issues to ensure that water is directed away from the asphalt, reducing the risk of crack expansion.
3. Drainage Problems
Poor drainage is a major cause of asphalt damage, as standing water can weaken the pavement’s base and lead to problems like potholes, cracks, and depressions. Effective drainage is essential for maintaining the integrity of asphalt surfaces in parking lots and other high-traffic areas.
Common Signs of Drainage Issues:
- Standing Water: Puddles on the surface of the asphalt indicate that water is not draining properly.
- Erosion Along Edges: Water can erode the edges of the pavement, causing cracks and weakening the asphalt.
- Sinkholes: In severe cases, poor drainage can cause sinkholes, which are large depressions that compromise safety and require immediate attention.
How Professional Asphalt Repair Can Fix Drainage Issues:
- Regrading: Paving contractors can regrade the asphalt surface to improve water flow and prevent pooling.
- Installing Drains: Adding proper drainage systems, such as trench drains or catch basins, helps direct water away from the pavement, reducing erosion and damage.
- Asphalt Sealcoating: Applying a protective layer of asphalt sealcoating not only extends the life of the pavement but also makes it more resistant to water penetration.
4. Rutting and Depressions
Rutting and depressions occur when the asphalt surface becomes uneven due to heavy traffic, poor compaction, or weak subgrade. Ruts are shallow, wheel path-shaped indentations, while depressions are low spots that may hold water.
Why Rutting and Depressions Are a Problem:
- Vehicle Damage: Uneven surfaces increase the risk of damage to vehicles, including tire wear and suspension issues.
- Safety Concerns: Ruts and depressions create tripping hazards for pedestrians, posing liability risks for property owners.
- Water Accumulation: Depressions can trap water, accelerating the deterioration of the asphalt surface.
How Professional Asphalt Repair Can Fix Rutting and Depressions:
- Milling and Resurfacing: Paving contractors may use milling to remove the affected surface layer before applying a new layer of asphalt to create a level surface.
- Full-Depth Patching: In cases where depressions are caused by subgrade failure, full-depth patching involves removing the damaged area, repairing the base, and applying new asphalt.
- Sealcoating: After repairing ruts and depressions, asphalt sealcoating provides a protective layer that reduces the risk of further surface deformation.
5. Fading and Discoloration
Over time, asphalt surfaces are exposed to UV rays, vehicle fluids, and weather conditions, all of which can cause the pavement to fade and lose its dark black color. While fading may seem like a cosmetic issue, it can also signal that the asphalt is becoming brittle and more prone to cracking.
Why Fading and Discoloration Are a Problem:
- Weakened Surface: Faded asphalt becomes more brittle, increasing the likelihood of cracks and other damage.
- Reduced Curb Appeal: A faded parking lot or driveway gives a neglected appearance.
- Safety Issues: Fading can make parking lot markings less visible, leading to confusion and increasing the risk of accidents.
How Professional Asphalt Repair Can Fix Fading:
- Asphalt Sealcoating: Sealcoating not only restores the dark black appearance of the asphalt but also provides a protective layer against UV rays, chemicals, and water damage.
- Re-striping: After sealcoating, re-striping the parking lot or driveway enhances safety and ensures clear visibility of parking spaces, pedestrian crossings, and directional markings.
Why Choose ACPLM for Asphalt Repair
ACPLM (Asphalt and Concrete Parking Lot Maintenance) is a trusted paving contractor that specializes in asphalt repair, sealcoating, and parking lot maintenance. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques and high-quality materials to address common asphalt problems and ensure long-lasting results.
What ACPLM Offers:
- Comprehensive Inspections: We conduct thorough inspections to identify all potential issues, including cracks, potholes, and drainage problems.
- Customized Solutions: We provide tailored repair plans that address the unique needs of each parking lot or property.
- Preventative Maintenance: Our asphalt sealcoating services protect your pavement from further damage, extending its lifespan and maintaining its appearance.
Contact ACPLM for Asphalt Parking Lot Repair in Tampa
Understanding the top five common asphalt problems and how professional asphalt repair can address them is essential for maintaining a safe, functional, and attractive parking lot or driveway. Potholes, cracks, drainage issues, rutting, and fading are inevitable over time, but with regular maintenance and the expertise of paving contractors like ACPLM, you can extend the life of your asphalt surface.
If you’re experiencing any of these asphalt issues, contact ACPLM today for a consultation. Let us help you restore your parking lot and maintain a smooth, safe surface for your customers, tenants, and visitors. Don’t wait until minor issues become major problems—schedule your asphalt repair with ACPLM now!
Contact us today for a free parking lot maintenance consultation.
