Pavement Punishment: What’s Killing Your Asphalt?
Asphalt is tough. It is used in commercial applications, parking lots, and driveways across the country for its rugged durability and ease of re-surfacing, sealcoating, and even re-paving. Even though it is tough and reliable, asphalt does require maintenance to upkeep, which can cause some minor inconveniences for the folks that drive or park on those surfaces, largely due to the damage caused by a few bullies that beat up on your asphalt surfaces day after day.
The 5 Asphalt Weakeners
Sunlight
Even on a cloudy day, invisible ultraviolet rays from the sun continually pummel your asphalt. The UV rays carried with the sun slowly begin to break down the binding agent found in asphalt paving, causing a weakening in the surface. Symptoms of this largely include loosening pebbles coming from the surface, which is a clear indicator that the asphalt is beginning to lose its grip on the bound together stones.
Oxygen
As asphalt paving gets older the color fades, an effect which many believe is caused by sunlight; in reality, oxidation causes the gradual decline from rich black to a more dull grey color. In addition to color, much-needed elasticity is lost in the process, leaving the surface more vulnerable to cracking from normal wear-and-tear. Obviously, it’s crucial to protect the surface of your asphalt since there is no way to prevent oxidation from impacting it.
Vehicles
Obviously, the heavy vehicles that frequently drive and park upon the surface of the asphalt carries a portion of the blame for damages over time. Regular vehicle traffic will eventually take their toll on the surface of the asphalt through friction and the burden caused by their weight. Especially damaging is heavier trucks, like freight deliveries, as they put a much higher burden upon the surface, causing it to break down far more quickly.
Water
Regardless of your climate, your asphalt will have to deal with every drop of precipitation that hits the area, whether it be rain, snow, or gradually forming (and damaging) ice; even underground water poses a problem for asphalt. Water is notorious for causing structural damage in the foundations of homes and buildings, and the same principle holds true to asphalt paving. Unfortunately, if your asphalt receives large enough structural damage, it will have a much shorter life, requiring a new asphalt paving soon.
Chemicals
Chemicals, primarily dropped from vehicles, is another large cause of asphalt damage; especially harmful are oil puddles that pool under parked cars, which quickly soak into the asphalt. Once saturated, the asphalt will not only be weakened, but likely also become unsightly with stains. Since much of asphalt is used for parking, this poses quite a serious threat.
Reach Out Today
The best way to protect your asphalt from the elements is to stay up on maintenance with a professional team. Our Bridgeview area expert team has the experience and skills necessary to sealcoat and preserve the condition of your asphalt.