Asphalt is one of the most reliable and long-lasting paving materials there is due to its flexibility and durability. While the liquid asphalt binder that seals it together can last up to 25 years with proper installation and regular maintenance, weathering and human interaction can cause it to deteriorate much more quickly. Weathering and heavy use can cause asphalt can crack in various ways or disintegrate leading to potholes, or if it’s improperly installed it can become distorted in shape which would make it deteriorate more easily. So, what are some of the things that cause asphalt to deteriorate?
Prolonged sunlight exposure
There’s not much you can do to prevent sunlight exposure on roads, driveways, or parking lots. Over time, the sunlight will react with your asphalt’s liquid binding solution and oxidize it. This oxidization changes the properties of the liquid binding solution, turning it from flexible to dry and brittle. You can see that oxidization is taking effect when your asphalt begins to crack throughout due to shrinkage.
Water infiltration
A properly sealed and uncracked piece of asphalt will be able to resist water and keep it from seeping into the surface. But, if your asphalt has started to crack from sunlight exposure, then the water has a way in to damage the surface and what’s beneath. Water that has seeped into your asphalt will expand and contract with the changes in temperature. If it freezes, it will expand enough to push out and open cracks in your asphalt, leaving even more vulnerabilities for further water damage.
Chemical damage
Chemicals like oil and gas are some of the most damaging factors possible for your asphalt. Chemical contact with your asphalt is inevitable, as you can count on some vehicles leaking oil or gas onto the surface. Like sunlight, these chemicals will react with your asphalt, changing its properties and making it more brittle. You may see the asphalt start turning from black to gray, and you’ll see cracks forming as well. If these cracks are left untreated, then they leave an opening for water to seep in, freeze, and make them worse.
Total Asphalt Paving | Experts in long-lasting asphalt
In order to get your money’s worth out of your asphalt and prevent it from cracking up, you need proven professionals to install and regularly maintain it. Without proper maintenance, you’ll see it damaged as easily as concrete. However, with experts working on your asphalt, it can last a full 25 years and look great the whole time. At Total Asphalt Paving, we’ve been accumulating experience and expertise since 1985. Just this year, we were named the Best Metro Detroit Paving Contractor 2021 and we won the BUILD Trade Integrity Excellence Award 2021! We have the skills and knowledge to install and maintain asphalt so that you get the most value for your investment possible.
If you’d like to know more about our installation and maintenance processes, or if you would like a quote on either one, get in touch! You can call us at (586) 752-9060 or send in an online contact form for more information.
