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The Different Types of Asphalt Damage

The Different Types of Asphalt Damage

Prevent Cracks and Holes To Your Asphalt With Our New Orleans, Louisiana Professional Services

Have you noticed cracks, potholes, and other signs of asphalt damage on your property lately? If so, you’re not alone. Asphalt pavement can be subject to a range of issues that can cause costly damage over time.

Asphalt is a popular material for driveways, sidewalks, and pathways because it’s durable and easy to install. However, its structure is vulnerable to various environmental conditions, heavy traffic, and poor maintenance practices.

Tackling asphalt repair promptly helps prevent further deterioration—but first, you need to understand what kind of damages have occurred. Here’s a look at the common types of asphalt damages that can occur on your property, and what you can do about them. As experts in this field, Big Easy Asphalt is here to help and assist you!

What is Asphalt?

When to Sealcoat or Resurface Your Asphalt DrivewayAsphalt is an extremely durable material that is used in roads, driveways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces throughout the world. It consists of a mixture of stones, sand, gravel, and an asphalt binder, which gives it its strength and flexibility.

Asphalt is a very cost-effective paving solution due to its durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and heavy loads. While asphalt may require regular maintenance such as seal coating or repair of potholes, it will still last longer than any other comparable material.

In addition, asphalt can be recycled and reused when resurfacing roads or driveways. With its low-cost installation and long lifespan, asphalt is the perfect option for paving projects both large and small.

What Causes Pavement Damage?

Cause of Asphalt DamagePavement damage is often caused by a combination of factors such as age, weather, sunlight, and traffic. As pavement gets older, it tends to wear down faster and requires more maintenance to remain in good condition. Rain and snow accelerate the breakdown process of the pavement due to moisture being absorbed into the material.

Heavy vehicles can create ruts and potholes

Heavy vehicles can create ruts and potholes that are difficult to fix as the road surface is disturbed by the vehicles’ weight and tire pressure. Extreme heat and cold temperatures can cause salt spray to corrode the road surface, while extended periods of scorching UV rays will break down the asphalt over time.

Poor drainage creates cracks and potholes

Poor drainage of water can cause large cracks and potholes to form in the pavement, posing risks for vehicles and pedestrians alike. For the pavement to remain durable and solve the issue of poor drainage, proper engineering is needed.

Overloading of pavement can cause cracking

All pavement surfaces degrade and break down over time, however, what many people don’t always know is that excessive load and design flaws can cause even more severe problems that require costly repairs.

Sealing cracks and potholes drastically reduce the repair costs down the line

Regular maintenance activities – cleaning debris from the pavement surface, and sealing cracks and potholes—dramatically reduce repair costs down the line.

Main Types of Asphalt Damage

Cracking: hairline cracks, spider web cracks, edge cracks, block cracks, and alligator cracking

There are several types of cracking, including hairline cracks, spider web cracks, edge cracks, block cracks, and alligator cracking. If you start to notice any anomalies in your asphalt’s appearance or texture, you should contact a professional service as soon as possible; they will be able to diagnose and repair the damage before it leads to more serious problems.

Potholes: Areas of pavement that have been worn away or otherwise removed by traffic and weather

Without proper repair and upkeep, road damage can occur, ranging from minor surface blemishes to more serious potholes. Potholes are an area of pavement that has been worn away or otherwise removed by traffic and weather.

Raveling: Loss of aggregate particles due to friction and wear from vehicles

There are many types of asphalt damage, that affect the functionality and look of a parking lot or road. Raveling occurs when there’s a loss of aggregate particles from friction and wear from vehicles on a paved surface

Distortion: Creases or ridges in the asphalt as a result of sagging over time

Common types of asphalt damage include deterioration, cracking, potholes, frost heaves, and distortion. Deterioration is caused by oxidation due to exposure to oxygen, water, UV rays, and petroleum products. Cracks form in asphalt when a weak point gives way to water entering the pavement and weakening it from below. Potholes form when moisture gets through cracks in the pavement and creates a void that can eventually collapse under the weight.

Stripping: Caused by aggregate loss and lack of binder in the asphalt mix

Unmaintained asphalt can suffer from several types of damage, all of which can be prevented through regular maintenance such as sealing and fill-in repairs. Another common problem for asphalt pavement is stripping, caused by aggregate loss and lack of binder in the asphalt mix.

Learn More About Asphalt Damages From Our Company in New Orleans Today

Big Easy Asphalt offers the perfect solution for residents in New Orleans, Louisiana, looking to protect their asphalt surfaces from cracks and holes that can occur over time due to water and sun exposure. We use specialized techniques to prevent cracks and holes, as well as help alleviate existing ones.

Don’t let the winter weather and other harsh conditions ruin your asphalt! Our experienced professionals will extend the life of your asphalt by preventing and repairing any damage due to natural causes.

Now you won’t have to worry about expensive repairs due to unsightly holes or cracks any longer. Plus, you’ll be able to prolong the life of your driveway with these top-notch services! Contact our team today, and we’ll be more than happy to give you all the details regarding our asphalt repair services in New Orleans, Louisiana!

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