Knowing When Is The Right Time To Fix Damaged Asphalt Surfaces
Asphalt parking areas and driveways are very durable, but some situations can affect how well the asphalt lasts. Working with an asphalt services contractor to determine what your asphalt needs and when to make the repairs can be necessary.
Surface Cracks and Deformities
Often you will find that an area of your asphalt has a low spot or has developed some cracks that seem to radiate out from one point. Often, the soil and material under the surface of the asphalt are shifting, and the repair may include having asphalt services come and remove that area to replace the ground under the asphalt.
The contractor will typically cut through the asphalt and remove the material to inspect the area under it. If the damage or shifting of the soil is widespread, a large section of the lot may need to be pulled up to properly fix the subsoil and rebuild the base under the asphalt.
Sometimes water moving under the surface can cause damage and allow the soil to wash away and the asphalt to start to sink, but adding some drainage to the area can redirect that water and help stop the damage from occurring a second time.
Separating Layers
In some situations, asphalt is laid over an older layer of pavement, and if the previous contractor did not take the proper steps to prepare the old asphalt, the top layer might separate from the base material. The result is a piece of the new material coming loose, and a hole often appears in the pavement. Over time, that hole will keep increasing as the edges of the material break off when cars hit the hole repeatedly.
You will need an asphalt services company to come and check the asphalt to determine just how widespread the issue is and if it can be repaired or not. If the entire lot was paved over an existing lot and the surface not ground and prepped, the contractor may need to bring in a grinder and remove the material down to the old asphalt and prepare it properly, then repave the entire lot.
Weather and Repairs
It is important to talk with the asphalt services working on the asphalt about when to make repairs to it. If the weather is too cold, the asphalt can be harder to work with. Doing the repairs in the spring or fall is best, but talk to your contractor about what the best option is and when they recommend repairs for your situation.
Share