Asphalt damage can create an eyesore as well as a serious safety hazard. If you encounter any of these common pavement issues, we’re your trustworthy source of asphalt repair in Albany.
Cracking
Heavy use and inclement weather take a toll on asphalt over time, which can cause unsightly cracks. You could see small cracks along the edges of the pavement or long, straight cracks in the center, sometimes over the underlying pavement joints. Surfaces with weak material or drainage issues may even experience alligator cracking. These large patches of damage develop in a pattern that resembles the reptile’s scales.
Block cracking divides asphalt into large rectangular sections. It’s usually caused by low-quality asphalt binding along with temperature fluctuations. Slippage cracks can develop at intersections, appearing as a half-moon shape. To repair cracked asphalt, our technicians use high-quality filling material to restore structural integrity. Then we create a seal that prevents debris and moisture from entering the repaired crack and causing further damage.
Raveling
Your asphalt shows raveling damage if parts of the pavement have completely disintegrated. This issue starts with a rough, eroded surface. Eventually, you’ll notice areas with loose gravel, which spread as the material degrades further. This issue can lead to a dangerous uneven surface and unsanitary standing water. While small areas of raveling often respond well to patching, larger areas may require complete removal of the damage and resurfacing.
Potholes
Large holes in the asphalt typically result from a perfect storm of changing temperatures, water entry, and frequent traffic. When water enters a small crack, it quickly becomes a bigger problem as vehicles traverse the weakened area. When the water freezes, the damaged area will rapidly expand. Potholes often develop from unrepaired alligator cracks.
In this situation, we’ll patch the pothole and then use infrared technology to ensure the strength of the repair. Finally, seal coating keeps moisture out and creates a smooth surface.
Rutting
With rutting damage, the asphalt develops a depression in a wheel path with heavy traffic. These ruts create a hydroplaning hazard since they fill with water when it rains. This accumulated moisture also makes the damage worse. You can identify ruts and other depressions in the pavement by checking where water collects after a shower.
Upheaval
This issue occurs when asphalt bulges upward, creating a domed surface with cracks along the side. Upheaval results from repeated freezing with moisture accumulation, which causes the underlying subgrade to swell.
Fading and Discoloration
Ongoing exposure to UV rays can cause the surface of your asphalt to become discolored or fade. This also degrades the material, which makes it more susceptible to damage. Regular sealcoating can help combat this concern.
Fixing minor issues with asphalt can halt the development of more serious problems. We use high-quality construction materials to seal out moisture and maintain the beauty and durability of your drive surface. Contact Blackshot Sealcoating in Albany, OR today for a full consultation if your pavement needs attention.
