By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

Cracked Asphalt: 4 Major Causes and 3 Highly Effective Ways to Fix It

It is important for everyone to keep their driveways, parking lots, and other asphalt surfaces in good condition. This will help the property maintain its value, which is important for every real estate investment. As asphalt ages, it may start to crack. It requires regular maintenance in order to extend its longevity. With this in mind, there are a few major reasons why asphalt might start to crack. The good news is that there are also ways to fix it.

The Major Causes of Asphalt Cracking

If there is cracked asphalt, it needs to be fixed quickly. Otherwise, this will only lead to bigger problems down the road, which will cost more money. There are a few major reasons why asphalt might start to crack. They include:

  • Exposure to UV Rays: One of the biggest reasons why asphalt starts to crack is exposure to UV rays. These rays come from the sun and dry out the oil, bitumen, and tar, which are all key parts of asphalt. If asphalt becomes dry, it cannot flex and extend with the ground. This leads to cracking.
  • Plants: If the asphalt starts to crack, this could lead to vegetation that grows through the cracks. If plants are growing, this means that there is water that has gotten underneath the asphalt, leading to plant growth. These plants can spread quickly, leading to additional damage. It is important to remove them quickly and fill the cracks.
  • Water: Along these lines, moisture is one of the major reasons why asphalt starts to deteriorate. As water gets into the asphalt, it damages the foundation. This leads to major depressions and an uneven surface. This is where potholes come from. This is why it is important to make sure that all asphalt surfaces drain well.
  • Chemicals: Finally, oil and chemical spills that come from vehicles can also lead to asphalt damage. This can discolor the asphalt, making it look dirty. Furthermore, they can also penetrate the asphalt itself, leading to major damage.

All of these issues are common sources of asphalt damage. Fortunately, there are also a few ways to repair asphalt quickly.

Effective Asphalt Repair Methods

There are a few reliable ways in which someone can repair cracked asphalt. Some of the most popular asphalt repair methods include:

  • The Gator Patch: One option that people might use is called a gator patch. This is a popular option for those who have a large network of cracks. These cracks look like the back of an alligator (which is where the name comes from). A gator patch is like clay or mud. It will require a trowel but is an effective fix.
  • Cold Pour: This is good for smaller cracks that are less than a half-inch in diameter. This is made from acrylic and water. It usually comes in liquid form and is poured by hand.
  • Hot Pour: For larger cracks (in parking lots and on runways), a hot pour solution is usually required. This is based on rubber, is shaped like a cube, and requires a melter applicator. Once it is melted, it is dragged over the crack and filled. This is the preference of the professionals.

It is better to prevent asphalt cracks from appearing with proper maintenance; however, these effective techniques can be used to quickly repair asphalt damage.

By admin Construction • • • • 0 Comments

7 Critical Checks for Parking Lot Drains

Business owners commonly think about cracks and damage that lead to asphalt repair; however, it is just as important to think about parking lot drains as well because parking lot repair can be expensive. Water is a good thing when it comes to parking lots; however, too much water can also lead to serious damage. Even shallow puddles can cause the surface to become slippery. Cars can lose control and collide with other vehicles, leading to both personal injuries and property damage. This can cause the reputation of the business to suffer. This is where it is important to check parking lot drainage, starting with the drains themselves.

Checking for Parking Lot Drainage: The Drains

Some of the most important items that need to be on this checklist regarding parking lot drains include:

Water Collection: First, take a look around the drain. Make sure there isn’t any water ponding around the drain. If water starts to pool around the drain, it will collect along the sides. As a result, pressure around the drain will start to increase. During the winter, this water will freeze. When water freezes, it expands. This will cause the drain and concrete to crack, leading to damage.

Flush with the Surface: All parking lot drains need to be flush with the asphalt surface. If it is not, this is a major concern. If the drain is not flush with the asphalt, this can cause water to pool. It can also lead to flooding.

Ring Popping Up: Another potential issue that people might notice with their parking lot drains is that the ring is popping up a little bit. In this case, a small asphalt patch can fix the issue. Just make sure the patch is level. This will prevent a collar from forming that will stop the water from draining correctly.

Inside: Be sure to check inside the drain as well. Take the time to look for gunk, foul smells, and debris. If there is a clog inside the drain, this can also lead to a mosquito nest, which is a major nuisance. To look inside the drain, test the drain by pouring water into it. It should drain properly.

Blockage: Of course, it is also important to make sure that parking lot drains are not blocked by either debris of vegetation. If the drain is blocked, water cannot reach it properly. This will lead to flooding.

Loose Material: Sometimes, there is loose material that forms around the drain. This could be sand, gravel, or other materials. This is a major problem if the drain is near a major road. This aggregate can be brought in by runoff and heavy rain. Ensure this is not accumulating within t the drain.

Pooling: Finally, look at the center of the parking lot. Does the water pool in this location? Parking lots usually slope from one end to the other to help water drain. If water is pooling in the center, this means the center of the parking lot has dropped, causing water to pool and preventing it from draining properly. This will require a parking lot repair.

These are the most important elements when it comes to checking parking lot drains. This is important for making sure that all moisture drains properly. It will prevent property damage from arising down the line and save people money on asphalt repair.