The durability and value-for-money asphalt offers make it the ideal choice for driveways and parking lots. However, like all other pavement and construction materials, asphalt has its fair share of problems. The reappearing cracks, the large ugly potholes, and the standing pools of water are all indicators that asphalt can become a source of headache for many property owners.

Identifying the potential problems and their sources can help all asphalt pavement owners prevent them in the future. Like all other construction materials, asphalt requires a more proactive maintenance approach, where owners must prevent issues from rising rather than repairing or fixing a problem.

In this blog post, we list down three main asphalt pavement problems based on the recommendations received by our experts and our valuable clients. Discussing these problems will prepare you for the challenge of maintaining an asphalt pavement and give you a possible course of action to counter the issues.

Alligator Cracking

Fatigue or alligator cracking is a common sign of asphalt deterioration. The problem gets its name from the unique cracking patterns that resemble the scales present on an alligator’s back. This is usually a load-related deterioration that is a result of various actions.

Parking heavy vehicles on a thinly paved surface usually results in this problem. Sometimes negligence at the time of pavement installation also leads to alligator cracking. A weakened base course or the use of subpar materials in the foundation can lead to alligator cracking in the future.

Fixing the Problem

Sealcoating or crack filling is a short-term solution to the problem. Filling the cracks prevents debris and moisture from seeping into the foundation and causing further damage. However, you need a more comprehensive solution to fix alligator cracks permanently. Digging below the surface to investigate the underlying problems and strengthening the foundation are steps that you can follow to implement a long-lasting solution. However, only trained experts are skilled enough to remove the damaged section and properly replace it with a freshly installed asphalt surface.

Longitudinal Cracks

These are cracks that emerge parallel to the pavement’s centerline. Longitudinal cracks form due to pavement fatigue or poor joint construction. Contrary to popular opinion, the presence of heavy load vehicles has nothing to do with longitudinal cracks.

Fixing the Problem

You can fix less serious cracks by sealing them or preventing moisture and debris from entering the base. You need a permanent solution for the more severe cracks; replacing the cracked pavement with an asphalt overlay helps you permanently remove longitudinal cracks.

Potholes

Potholes are bowl-shaped depressions with sharp edges and vertical sides besides their top. They form when alligator cracking – or any other cracking for that matter – goes unchecked. The infiltrating moisture and debris eat up a small chunk of the pavement’s foundation, creating a depression on the surface as vehicles move over it.

Fixing the Problem

Unfortunately, there is no short-term solution for potholes. A full replacement patch is the only viable solution to fixing a pothole.

If you’re looking for a reliable contractor that can fix all your asphalt pavement cracks and tell you more about them, then Garden State Paving and Sealcoating LLC is the option you should consider. Residents of Shamong, NJ, can click here to enjoy the full range of our services.