asphalt blacktop repair services

Asphalt Blacktop Repair: 8 Common Pavement Issues and Fixes

Asphalt is a very durable material. But it is also susceptible to atmospheric conditions that can lead to damages. Because of this, regular asphalt blacktop repair and maintenance is very important. Maintaining the lifespan, appeal, and safety of your pavement is essential.

First, lets look at some common pavement issues caused by weather conditions:

  1. Alligator cracking
  2. Block Cracking
  3. Linear Cracking
  4. Slippage Cracks
  5. Pot Holes
  6. Depressions
  7. Rutting
  8. Raveling

1. Problem: Alligator Cracking

alligator cracking asphalt blacktop repair servicesDefinition: Alligator cracking is a structural failure associated with load resulting in weakness in the surface, base, or sub grade. The cracking resembles alligator skin.

Solution: Full depth reclamation needs to be performed to fix alligator cracking since the failure is structural.

2. Problem: Block Cracking

Definition: Block cracking looks like large connecting rectangles. It occurs when the asphalt pavement shrinks because of asphalt’s inability to expand and contract during temperature changes.

Solution: Sealing smaller block cracks can be done if smaller than about a half inch. In other words, this sealing will prevent moisture from entering into the sub grade. More severe cracks may require more asphalt blacktop repair attention. Above all, removing the cracked pavement layer and replacing it with an overlay is often the best solution. Especially for the more severe situations.

linear cracking asphalt driveway repair services3. Problem: Linear Cracking

Definition: These cracks are parallel to the pavement’s center line. They are usually a result of pavement fatigue and/or poor joint construction.

Solution: The same solution for block cracking can be applied to linear cracking.

4. Problem: Slippage Cracks

Definition: These are crescent-like cracks at the surface that occur where the new material has slipped over the underlying layer. This occurs when there has been a lack of bonding. These cracks occur in between layers from an absence of a tack coat.

Solution: Removing these marks will be necessary and will require a partial or full depth patch.

5. Problem: Potholes in Blacktop

Definition: Potholes are holes similar in shape to bowls or depressions in pavement. These holes penetrate all the way through the asphalt layer to the base. Read our blog post on the anatomy of a pothole for a detailed scope of how a pothole is formed.

Solution: An application of a replacement patch will be necessary.

6. Problem: Depressions

Definition: Pavement surface areas with slightly lower elevations than the surrounding pavement.

Solution: Smaller depressions can be remedied by applying a thin surface patch. More severe depressions may require removal and replacement.

7. Problem: Rutting

Definition: Ruts are depressions in wheel tracks that have channelization. Rutting is the result of movement of any of the layers of the pavement from traffic. Meanwhile, this may be a result of insufficient pavement thickness, weak asphalt mixes, moisture penetration, or lack of compaction.

Solution: Minor rutting can be fixed by crack filling. However, removal and replacement of severe rutting will need repair.

8. Problem: Asphalt Raveling

Definition: This is an on-going separation of aggregate materials in the pavement mixture. This usually occurs from the surface downward or from the edges inward. For instance, when the fine aggregate wears away, it will leave pock marks on the surface. Overtime the pavement will become more jagged as breakage intensifies and erosion increases.

Solution: Applying a hot asphalt mix overlay can often fix raveling issues.

Driveway Repair Solutions

All of these pavement defects are very common, especially in areas that experience moderate to severe winters. Fixing these issues as they happen through asphalt blacktop repair methods is key in extending the lifespan of your pavement. And helps to avoid traffic damages. However, if you think your lot is experiencing any of these pavement concerns, they need to be repaired ASAP. Parking lot maintenance is one of the most cost-effective maintenance you will have done on your property. Contact EastCoat Pavement services today for your free repair or replacement consultation!

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