Asphalt is commonly used to pave roads, driveways, and parking lots. It is long-lasting, reasonably priced, and simple to maintain. Heat, on the other hand, can damage asphalt. Here are three of the most common issues that heat causes on asphalt and solutions.
1- Cracking
Cracking is a prevalent issue with asphalt surfaces. The cause of this problem can be either thermal changes in the weather or solar radiation, which leads to expansion and contraction during hot or cold seasons, causing cracks within your roadways surface.
Cracks indicate that something is wrong. In some cases, they can indicate imminent failure, leading to more severe problems such as buckling and collapse if left unchecked for long enough.
How to Fix Cracking in Asphalt
Cracks are inevitable on any road, but preventing them is more straightforward than fixing the problem. Make sure there’s good drainage near your pavement edge, and confirm you have a robust and cohesive base set before applying seal coating once it has been used to protect against damage caused by weather changes or general usage of streets in the area.
2- Potholes
Potholes are one of the leading causes of damage to vehicles, and they’re a huge nuisance for drivers. They form when water seeps into small cracks in the pavement and freezes, expanding and weakening the asphalt. This process continues until a large chunk of pavement breaks away, leaving a gaping hole.
Potholes are more than just an annoyance; they’re a safety hazard. They can cause damage to vehicles, and if left unchecked, potholes can lead to much larger problems like sinkholes.
How to Fix Potholes in Asphalt
Potholes are best repaired when they’re small. Use a cold patch to fill the hole and compact it with a tamper. If the pothole is too large, you’ll need to remove the damaged pavement and replace it with new asphalt. Sealcoating can help prevent potholes from forming by filling in small cracks before they have a chance to expand.
Potholes are fixed with a cold patch or hot asphalt. Hard patches are less expensive and easier to apply, but they don’t last as long as hot asphalt. Hot asphalt is durable and will last longer, but it’s more expensive and requires specialized equipment.
3- Raveling
Raveling occurs when water or excess moisture enters cracks, causing binder cohesion in the asphalt mixture. The asphalt will unravel with the aggregate and soil, posing an additional danger to the surface.
Raveling happens due to poor compaction or separation of the binder and aggregate, but it is most commonly caused by asphalt cracking. When cracking occurs, the asphalt develops, and the more the asphalt deteriorates. Furthermore, water penetration through cracks may cause settling, rutting, or base failure.
How To Fix Raveling in Asphalt
Raveling is best repaired by sealing the cracks in your asphalt. This will prevent water from entering and causing further damage. You can also resurface the area to provide a new layer of protection.
Heat can cause many problems on asphalt surfaces, but fortunately, there are ways to fix them. Cracking, potholes, and raveling can all be repaired with cold or hot patches. If the damage is severe, you must remove the old pavement and overlay it with new asphalt.