Ignoring small cracks and potholes can lead to much bigger problems on asphalt pavement. In this blog post, Garden State Paving & Seal Coating will discuss some of the most common types of asphalt damage you see every day but may not realize its severity.
Damage 01: Alligator Cracking
Alligator cracking is a form of damage that gets its name from the pattern it creates. This damage looks like a series of interconnected cracks that resemble an alligator’s skin. Alligator cracking is often caused by structural problems, poor drainage, or excessive traffic.
How can your repair them?
If you see alligator cracking, it’s important to have a professional assess the situation. Alligator cracks often indicate serious problems that require significant repairs.
Damage 02: Potholes
One of the most typical forms of asphalt degradation is potholes. They are usually caused by water seeping into cracks and weakening the pavement. As vehicles drive over the weakened pavement, it eventually crumbles and forms a pothole.
How can you repair them?
Most potholes can be filled with cold-mix asphalt or a similar material. However, large or deep potholes may require hot-mix asphalt.
Damage 03: Edge Cracks
Edge cracks form along the edges of a parking lot or road. They are caused by water seeping into the pavement and weakening the foundation.
How can you repair them?
Edge cracks can be repaired with cold-mix asphalt or a similar material.
Damage 04: Raveling
Raveling is when the surface of the asphalt begins to unravel or break apart. This damage is usually caused by poor drainage, lack of seal coating, or traffic.
How can you repair them?
Raveling can be repaired by sealing the asphalt or patching the affected area.
Damage 05: Depressions
Depressions are small, shallow craters that form in the asphalt. They are usually due to shoddy paving work that didn’t correctly compress the soil.
Water and debris that often gather in depressions might undermine the integrity of the asphalt surface if they are not removed right once.
How can you repair them?
Depressions can be repaired by filling them with cold-mix asphalt or a similar material.
Damage 06: Block Cracking
Block cracking is a type of asphalt damage that looks like a checkerboard. Block cracking occurs when you use an improper asphalt binder in the mix or when age-related hardening prevents the asphalt binder from expanding and contracting with temperature changes.
How can you repair them?
Block cracking can be repaired by sealing the asphalt or patching the affected area. You will need a qualified asphalt repair specialist if extensive block cracking spans a surface area of more than 1.2 inches.
If your asphalt is severely damaged, it could need to be entirely replaced. Contact an asphalt repair specialist to assess the damage and recommend the best action.
Do you have asphalt damage that needs to be repaired? Let the experts at Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC in Marlton, NJ, help! We offer asphalt repair services, including patching, resurfacing, and complete replacement.
