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Top Causes of Asphalt Surface Damage

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Top Causes of Asphalt Surface Damage 1

Heavy Vehicles

Heavy vehicles are one of the biggest causes of asphalt surface damage. Vehicles such as garbage trucks, buses, and delivery trucks place a significant amount of pressure on the pavement, causing cracks and potholes to form. This is especially true when these vehicles are parked in the same spot over a long period. The tire pressure combined with the constant weight of the vehicle can cause the asphalt to weaken, crack and develop potholes. Interested in learning more about the topic discussed? asphalt crack filler machine, in which you’ll discover additional data and engaging viewpoints to enrich your educational journey.

Moisture Buildup

Moisture buildup is another cause of asphalt surface damage. Although asphalt is a water-resistant material, it can still be affected by excessive moisture. Asphalt surface damage can be caused by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snowfall. Without proper drainage systems, moisture can cause damage to the sub-structure layer of the asphalt, making it unstable and causing asphalt cracks to form. This causes the surface to crack, leaving it exposed to more water and further damage.

Top Causes of Asphalt Surface Damage 2

UV Rays

In addition to heavy vehicles and moisture buildup, UV rays from the sun can also cause damage to asphalt surfaces. Long exposure to UV rays can cause the asphalt to become brittle and dry. It can cause it to lose its ability to be flexible, thereby decreasing its resistance to weight and moisture buildup. Over time, an asphalt pavement exposed to harmful UV rays will become faded and cracked. You can protect your asphalt surface from harmful UV rays by applying a protective sealer on the surface, resealing it every few years, or using an asphalt mix containing UV stabilizers.

Poor Maintenance

The lack of proper maintenance is also a cause of asphalt surface damage. A lack of regular maintenance, such as crack sealing, asphalt patching, and sealing, can cause a damaged surface to deteriorate quickly. Proper maintenance will help to extend the lifespan of your asphalt surface and reduce the need for frequent asphalt repairs. It is important to make sure your asphalt surface is cleaned regularly to avoid debris buildup, which can accelerate the pavement’s deterioration. A clean surface can also make it easier to identify any necessary repairs or maintenance issues, thereby allowing timely repairs and extending the asphalt’s lifespan.

Age

The age of your asphalt surface is another significant cause of surface damage. Asphalt surfaces that have gone past their expected lifespan are more likely to develop cracks, potholes, and other problems related to wear and tear. The average lifespan of an asphalt surface is 20 years, but this can vary based on location and weather conditions. Aging asphalt surfaces require more frequent repairs and maintenance to keep them in suitable condition, and eventually, they will need to be replaced. Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your asphalt surface, but eventually, replacing the entire surface becomes a more cost-effective approach.

Conclusion

Asphalt is one of the most popular materials used for pavement construction, but it requires proper maintenance to extend its lifespan. To prevent asphalt surface damage, it is essential to address causes such as heavy vehicles, moisture buildup, UV rays, poor maintenance, and age-related wear and tear. With proper maintenance, you can reduce the frequency of asphalt repairs, and extend the life span of your asphalt pavement. Identifying these causes early can help save you repair costs in the long run while ensuring a smooth and safe driving surface. To achieve a comprehensive learning journey, we suggest this external source packed with supplementary and pertinent details. asphalt crack filler machine https://pavemade.com/collections/asphalt-crack-filling-equipment, uncover fresh viewpoints on the topic discussed.

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