Asphalt Paving Problems & Solutions

Protecting your asphalt investment from deterioration is the key to keeping an

attractive looking parking lot or driveway. Sealcoating new asphalt within one year

of installation is the best and most cost efficient way to avoid expensive repairs due

to pavement failures. However, let’s take a look at some common asphalt problems

and their solutions:

Oxidation and Graying

Over time, traffic, water, gas, oil, the suns unrelenting rays, especially in Florida, will

wreak havoc on asphalt pavement. The older the pavement gets, the more

exposure to elements, the more the asphalt pavement will fade and takes on a gray

appearance. This graying is a sign that the asphalt is oxidizing and drying out. The

drier it gets the more brittle it will become and the more prone to cracking. It’s a

downward spiral at this point if nothing is done to stop the water from penetrating

the asphalt cracks. It is critical that asphalt repairs are made as part of an ongoing

asphalt pavement maintenance plan to avoid further decay.

Raveling

Another asphalt paving maintenance issue to be aware of is raveling. When the

binder, which acts as a glue, that is used to hold the stone and sand particles that

make up the asphalt starts deteriorating, this is called raveling. Pieces of aggregate

will loosen and breakaway from the pavement surface making it thinner and thinner

as it deteriorates.

The surface of the asphalt pavement will appear rough as pieces of the asphalt

away and separate. This can create a void for water to penetrate into the base

material.

Linear Asphalt Cracks

Transverse and longitudinal cracks are fairly common in asphalt pavement as it

ages. Starting small, they will expand over time. Again, any crack in asphalt is an

opportunity for water to penetrate. Pavement expansion due to hot and cold

temperatures will continue to cause the cracks to expand.

Cleaning out any dirt or debris from such cracks, asphalt repairs can be made to

stop water from seeping below the pavement and help stop the crack from growing.

Sealcoating the pavement early on helps lock-in the binder and prevents from

cracks from occurring.

Vegetation Growth

If cracks, gaps or joints in asphalt are left unfilled, grass, weeds and other plants –

even trees have been known to grow right through a parking lots surface. Not only

does this make for an un-kept looking parking area, but the roots of the vegetation

can cause severe damage to the base of the asphalt. Additionally, as the plant

grows, the roots and the visible vegetation will widen the gaps letting more water

penetrate the surface eroding the base materials. A simple asphalt crack repair

before vegetation has a chance to take root can save property managers thousands

of dollars in repairs or replacement.

About ABC Paving and Sealcoating

With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's

leading paving contractor. ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial

organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship

and services including: asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole

repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and

safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs and site preparation. We use

our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first

time in a timely, cost effective manner. For more information about ABC Paving and

Sealcoating, visit our website at http://pavingandsealcoating.com or call 866-934-

7623 for a free estimate.