Common Crack Types On Residential Asphalt Paving
Asphalt paving is a durable option for your home's driveway, but it isn't completely impervious to damage. Cracks can form over time due to a variety of reasons. This guide can help you understand the underlying causes for the most common types of cracks, along with what you can do to help mitigate the damage.
Alligator Cracks
Alligator cracks resemble scales, thus the name. They often form between two long cracks, either along the edge of a driveway or in the main drive path where ruts may also form. Poor drainage is the main cause of alligator cracking. If moisture begins to collect in the base beneath your driveway, small voids will open beneath the paving. Water will also percolate upward and into the porous asphalt, weakening it and making it prone to the cracks. Small patches of alligator cracks can be fixed with the application of a hot asphalt patch and a fresh seal coat on the drive. Extensive cracking indicates that you may need to have the base and driveway rebuilt.
Linear Cracks
As the name implies, linear cracks are relatively straight cracks that run the length of the driveway. These cracks are typically the result of uneven settling of the driveway, and are rarely a reason to be concerned. Wide cracks can be stuffed with a filler that allows for expansion without further cracking, and then patched over. Smaller cracks only need to be patched. Sealcoating after patching will prevent moisture from seeping into the cracks and causing potholes to form. If you have extensive linear cracking but the driveway is sound, you can have it resurfaced with a thin layer of fresh asphalt to camouflage the patches.
Block Cracks
Block cracks resemble linear cracks, except there are also horizontal cracks linking a series of longitudinal cracks together. This series of cracks creates blocks of squares or rectangles in the paving. Block cracking is caused by the inability of the asphalt to expand and contract properly due to temperature fluctuations. You may see this on asphalt driveways that are bordered on one or both sides by concrete sidewalks, borders, or foundation walls. You can patch and repair these cracks similar to linear cracks, but they may form again if room isn't given for thermal expansion. Putting in a soil filled border between the asphalt and concrete can solve the issue.
Contact a residential paving contractor like New England Paving immediately if you notice cracks forming in your asphalt paving. With prompt repair, you can prevent the cracks from spreading or developing into potholes.
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