Asphalt is durable and resilient. That is why it is one of the most popular paving materials around, used on roads, parking lots, driveways, and more. However, over time, even the toughest asphalt will start to deteriorate. This is most likely because of one of three reasons: age, improper maintenance, and improper construction.
Preventing Potholes, Cracks, and Other Asphalt Damage
- Age: Asphalt begins to deteriorate the moment it is laid. Over time, liquid asphalt binder, the glue that holds the pavement together, begins to lose its natural elasticity and starts to break down. When this happens, cracking, potholes, and other forms of deterioration are not far behind. If not repaired, these cracks will allow water to penetrate sub-base and base layers, causing them to lose their ability to effectively bear traffic loads. Complete asphalt pavement to failure will not be far behind.
- Improper Maintenance: There are several preventative maintenance tasks, like sealcoating, property managers and homeowners can take to extend the useful life of their asphalt. Timely repairs are also extremely important. Remember the old adage “a stitch in time saves nine?” The same holds true for asphalt. It is far easier to repair a single, small crack than it is a web of larger cracks.
- Improper Construction: When asphalt is installed properly and well maintained, it can last for 25 years or more! Improperly installed asphalt, meanwhile, can be a large reason for the premature deterioration of your pavement. Failures in construction can include: improperly compacted base, over or under compaction of the asphalt, improper temperature during application, poor drainage, and so much more.
To prevent further erosion of your asphalt pavement, or to fix a problem so it does not get any worse before winter, call PTG Enterprises for a property evaluation. You can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. A good contractor is hard to find! So trust your asphalt to a contractor with a proven track record of success, a contractor like Patrick Gillen of PTG Enterprises.
If you have any questions about Preventing Potholes, Cracks, and Other Asphalt Damage or if you are looking for an asphalt contractor in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
