Do you have a driveway, parking lot, or road that could use some attention? If so, it might demand a redo of the asphalt pavement. Many people don’t realize how much distress a pavement can bear before it becomes necessary to replace it entirely.
In this blog post, Action Construction Asphalt & Concrete will discuss the different levels of damage that necessitate a complete redo of asphalt pavement.
We’d also like to offer the reliable service provided by our paving team. So if you’re thinking about renovating your asphalt surface, keep those thumbs scrolling!
Level 1: Open Aggregate
The first case is when the top layer of asphalt has been removed, revealing the aggregate beneath. You’ll know what to suspect if you see chunks of rock or gravel on the ground around your pavement. This level can be caused by any number of things: severe weather conditions, heavy traffic, or even tree roots!
Fixing this degree of damage is a fairly straightforward process: replace the removed asphalt, and seal the surface with a new asphalt layer.
Level 2: Case Cracked
Finding cracks in your asphalt is never a good sign, as it means the material has already begun to break down and deteriorate. If left unchecked, this damage can quickly spread, making the problem even more expensive and difficult to fix.
The problem heightens once the aggregate beneath the asphalt surface is revealed, as in the case we mentioned earlier. The aggregate can be seen as a weak spot, leading water and snow to seep in and freeze.
Level 3: Peeping Potholes
One or two potholes are already a problem, but when they start to become widespread, you know it’s time for a complete redo. Potholes form when water bleeds into the cracks in your asphalt and freezes, causing the pavement to expand and then contract as it thaws.
This process weakens the asphalt, leading to chunks of pavement breaking off and forming a pothole. Potholes can also form when vehicles drive over cracks in the pavement, causing even more damage.
Level 4: Angry Alligator
As terrifying as its namesake, alligator cracking signifies that your pavement requires some extensive repair. Also caused by water seeping into cracks and freezing, alligator cracking forms a network of cracks that looks like, you guessed it, an alligator’s back.
Alligator cracking can also be caused by the weight of vehicles driving over weak spots on the pavement. Left long enough, this kind of damage can lead to a full-on collapse of the asphalt surface.
Level 5: Missing Material
The above points combined will result in large pieces of asphalt crumbling and breaking off until eventually there are large patches of pavement missing. This is the most severe level of damage and will require a complete redo of the asphalt surface.
Don’t delay asphalt maintenance until you reach this stage! Take action and inspect your pavement regularly for any signs of damage.
The Takeaway
If you detect any of the above complications, be sure to call Action Construction Asphalt & Concrete for reliable repair in Houston, TX. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, and we’ll work with you to ensure your satisfaction.
