Asphalt maintenance is an important aspect of property ownership. Not only does it protect your investment against major and costly repairs, but it also keeps it looking and functioning like new for a longer period of time. How do you know if asphalt resurfacing is necessary for your commercial driveway or parking lot? Keep reading to learn about common signs that indicate a problem with your asphalt.
What Is Asphalt Resurfacing and How Does It Work?
Asphalt resurfacing involves removing the top layers of the pavement and replacing it with a brand-new aggregate. To reduce waste, contractors will often use the old aggregate to mix and apply the new one.
When Is It Time to Resurface Asphalt?
There are numerous telltale signs that it may be time to invest in an asphalt resurfacing job, but here are the five most common ones that every property owner should know about.
Poor or Lack of Drainage
Standing or pooling water, also known as puddles, is a dead-giveaway that there’s something wrong beneath the surface of your asphalt pavement. Parking lots are designed with a built-in slope to prevent this from happening. Water accumulation indicates one of two things:
- The asphalt isn’t porous enough
- There are weak spots in your asphalt pavement
Furthermore, water can get trapped in cracks throughout your pavement and have an underground tunneling effect that weakens its structural integrity. If you notice multiple problem spots throughout your property, then asphalt resurfacing may be the answer.
Extensive Cracking
Alligator cracks, in particular, indicate that internal structural damages have occurred. Resembling the skin of an alligator, this type of cracking happens as a result of a deteriorating asphalt pavement foundation. Depending on the size of your property and the extent of the damage, you may be able to get away with repairing a small portion of the asphalt. But you won’t truly know how deep the problem runs until the top layer is removed and replaced.
Deep Potholes
All potholes should be handled with a sense of urgency, but large ones need to be filled in immediately. Potholes start off as small cracks and continue to expand over time if they’re neglected. It’s not always enough to simply repair deep potholes because you might not be able to tell how widespread the internal damages are. Plus, potholes collect a lot of water and debris that needs to be removed so they don’t get trapped inside your asphalt and wreak more havoc. If you have multiple potholes throughout your property, then it makes more sense to resurface the asphalt pavement entirely.
Stains and Fading
Over time, surface stains from automotive fluid leaks and fading from long-term sun exposure can damage your asphalt. Chemicals in motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, and other substances break down the protective layer and bitumen binding of your asphalt, causing it to crack. Moreover, UV rays from the sun make the colour fade from black to a light grey. Fluid stains and fading are signs of a weakened foundation and need to be addressed immediately.
Loose or Broken Edges
When small or large pieces of asphalt break off at the edges, this is usually a sign of aging. Even with immaculate maintenance and repair over the years, no asphalt pavement is immune to the aging process. Between various seasonal temperatures, elements, and freeze-thaw cycles, your asphalt pavement endures a lot over the years. Asphalt resurfacing can help restore an aging pavement to its former glory.
Professional Asphalt Resurfacing in the GTA
With over 25 years in the asphalt paving industry, Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. has a long-standing reputation for being one of the best in the business. If your asphalt needs resurfacing or repairs in the GTA, then contact us to get a quote!