A new asphalt pavement should paint a pleasing picture. The surface should appear extremely smooth and even, and the color should be a luxurious shade of black. It can be distressing to notice that cracks are marring the aesthetics of your once-pristine pavement. There are several reasons for cracks to develop in an asphalt parking lot. If you can identify the type of crack, you will be able to determine how to repair it. The most common types are block, transverse, fatigue, edge, slippage, and longitudinal cracks.
Why Is My Asphalt Parking Lot Developing Cracks, and How Do I Fix It?
What Is Asphalt Block Cracking, and How Do Paving Companies Fix the Issue?
If your pavement has cracks that form large squares or rectangles, it is suffering from block cracking. Traffic is normally not the cause of block cracking. Instead, it is usually the result of insufficient moisture in the asphalt mix, but extreme temperature variations can also be a possible cause. If the cracks are relatively small, your asphalt maintenance contractor can probably seal them. If the cracks are large or extremely numerous, reputable paving companies may recommend an asphalt overlay.
What Are Transverse Cracks in Asphalt Parking Lots, and How Do Paving Companies Fix Them?
Transverse cracks lie perpendicular to a pavement’s centerline. Shrinkage of an asphalt layer, extreme low temperatures, or an improper grade of asphalt is all possible causes. Although the cause of transverse cracks is not related to loading, heavy traffic can exacerbate the problem. Depending on the severity and extent of the problem, asphalt companies normally address transverse cracks by either sealing them or installing an overlay.
What Are Fatigue Cracks in Asphalt Pavements?
Another name for fatigue cracking is alligator cracking. The cracks interconnect to form a pattern that resembles the skin of a crocodile or an alligator. An asphalt paving company engineers each pavement to withstand a certain number of vehicles that have certain weight ranges. If the traffic on the pavement is heavier or more numerous, fatigue cracking can occur. Other possible causes include damage to the base, drainage issues, and soil destabilization. If the affected area is relatively small, an Austin paving company can likely make an asphalt repair. The typical steps in the repair are asphalt removal, base and subbase repair, and asphalt replacement. However, if the damage extends over more than about one-fourth of the pavement, it is usually more cost-effective to install an overly, but the remedy may be a complete reconstruction if the base shows signs of severe damage.
Why Are the Edges of My Asphalt Pavement Cracking?
If there are longitudinal cracks near the pavement’s edge, your pavement is suffering from edge cracking. Possible causes include insufficient lateral support, soil shrinkage, or ground movement. The roots of nearby shrubs and trees can cause or contribute to the problem. Typically, an asphalt maintenance contractor can fill edge cracks with an asphalt emulsion slurry.
What Are Slippage Cracks in Asphalt Pavements?
Cracks in the shape of a crescent are slippage cracks. There are several possible causes, including an inadequate bond between layers. It is also possible that your original asphalt paving company used an inferior or improper mix design. Your contractor may be able to make an asphalt repair to remediate the issue. The method starts with layer-by-layer asphalt removal around the crack until the contractor finds a layer that demonstrates good bonding. The process ends with the replacement of the asphalt above the good layer.
What Are Longitudinal Cracks in Asphalt Pavements?
Longitudinal cracks are those that lie parallel to the centerline of the pavement. Common causes include poor joint construction, improper operation of the paver, and asphalt shrinkage. Surface resealing may be necessary if your contractor cannot fill or seal the cracks.
For an Austin Paving Company Worthy of Your Trust, Contact Alpha Paving
Alpha Paving is a full-service asphalt and concrete company serving Austin and the entire Texas Hill Country. Our services include asphalt milling, asphalt resurfacing, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt paving, asphalt crack sealing, parking lot repairs, concrete installation, concrete repairs, street maintenance, parking lot striping, road construction, thermoplastic striping, and parking lot signage and car stops. Our clients include various municipalities, health care facilities, shopping centers, property management firms, hotels, restaurants, educational facilities, HOAs, apartment complexes, restaurants, condos, industrial facilities, airports, religious institutions, and subdivisions. We have an impressive reputation for delivering superior results at competitive prices. To request your free quote, complete our online form, or call 512-677-9001 to reach our office in Round Rock.
