Contributors To Asphalt Pavement Deterioration
Contributors To Asphalt Pavement Deterioration
From the moment your asphalt pavement is installed, it is subjected to a variety of potentially damaging circumstances. It must withstand the elements, bear the weight of traffic and endure chemical assaults. Some deterioration is not preventable; after all, no type of pavement will last forever. However, many pavements face premature deterioration that could have been prevented completely or at least slowed substantially. Here are the major factors that can accelerate the deterioration of asphalt pavement.
1. You are probably aware that the sun’s rays can age your skin, but you might not know that they can also age your asphalt pavement. Sealcoating helps guard against UV rays, so you should make sure that you have sealcoating applied whenever it is needed.
2. Asphalt is a petroleum-based material; most automotive fluids are also petroleum-based. Petroleum molecules that have been separated try to recombine when they are reintroduced. In other words, the automotive fluids leaked by traffic will try to recombine with the oil in the pavement, but it will destroy it in the attempt. Sealcoating slows the rate at which these fluids can reach the asphalt, but spills should be cleaned regularly as these chemicals will eventually penetrate the sealcoating.
3. Water that has penetrated the asphalt and reached the pavement’s foundation is a leading cause of pavement deterioration. During the installation process, the subgrade is compacted so that it forms a stable, strong foundation capable of supporting the pavement. Water erodes this foundation, allowing potholes and/or cracks to develop in the pavement. Therefore, it is critical to have cracks repaired quickly to block the water’s entry points.
4. Asphalt paving contractors have a plan for a specific purpose, and if subjected to other uses, the pavement can be damaged. For example, a neighborhood street may be designed for a daily average of 300 vehicles that weigh less than 10,000 pounds each. Change the daily use to 30,000 cars or 5,000 fully loaded tractor-trailers and problems will develop. Whenever possible, restrict usage to the specifications used for engineering the pavement.
Dirtworks is a full-service asphalt paving company offering asphalt paving, asphalt repair and maintenance to customers throughout the Cape Cod area for more than 20 years. We also offer excavation, demolition and site-work services. Whether you need your parking lot sealcoated and striped, asphalt pavement repaired, a road graded or a cellar hole excavated, we can help. Use our online form to request a free quote, or call us at (508) 240-5541 to discuss your project in greater detail.
