Though asphalt pavement is super durable and built to last for years, there are a lot of things that can cause your asphalt pavement to degrade. Paving services like sealcoating and crack sealing can stop this pavement degradation in its tracks, but you need the help of paving professionals.
In Columbia MD, The American Asphalt Paving Company Inc can help you correct any pavement issues that might arise. Contact us right away if your parking lot has cracks or fading, but in the meantime, let’s learn what contributes to asphalt deterioration.
Major Factors to Degrading Asphalt
Water
Since asphalt is somewhat porous, water can get into the tiny nooks and crannies within the pavement layer and cause the petroleum-based asphalt binder to separate from the aggregates inside. This can be caused by heavy weather or improper drainage leading to water pooling on the surface. When water freezes, it can expand and cause cracking.
Sunlight & Chemicals
Since asphalt is made up of petroleum based products, it needs oils to stay stable and firm. UV rays in sunlight can leech these oils out of the surface, causing it to dry up and become brittle. Chemicals spilling from vehicles can also break down the asphalt itself, resulting in pavement deterioration.
Vehicle Traffic
The weight of vehicles passing over asphalt pavement can make these other factors even worse. Tires push water and chemicals deeper into the pavement, and the pressure of heavy traffic physically breaks down the surface and can cause shifting of all pavement layers.
Combat Degrading Asphalt With Professional Pavement Maintenance
Columbia MD’s trusted paving contractors, The American Asphalt Paving Company Inc, have the expertise to tackle any deteriorated asphalt pavement with services like crack sealing, sealcoating, or patching. Contact us today for a free estimate.
