Common Threats to Asphalt

Asphalt breaks down over time. Regular traffic and exposure to weather elements gradually take their toll, deteriorating your asphalt’s surface course. Certain factors, however, may cause asphalt to deteriorate faster than usual. Common stressors for asphalt pavement include:

Traffic Volumes

Though strong, asphalt pavement is only designed to support weights under a certain limit. Driving or hauling weights above this limit, especially frequently, will put more stress on your road surface than it’s rated to withstand. Excessive strain from constantly turning tires, heavier-than-expected loads, and heavier traffic volumes put added wear on your surface course. 

Seasonal Changes

Winter weather brings snow, ice, road salt, and water run off – all of which can be damaging to asphalt pavement. The constant cycle of freezing, melting, and re-freezing causes cracks to expand and expose subgrades to risk. Ice also forms in existing cracks and potholes, expanding and turning formerly minor damage into serious structural concerns as subgrades become saturated and soft. 

Incorrect Construction

Though most damaging factors are related to usage or environment, sometimes the problem starts when the pavement is first installed. Premature deterioration from improper construction is often the result of improper subgrade compaction, poor drainage, or improper base thicknesses. This affects the pavement’s ability to withstand external pressures. Poorly paved parking lots are vulnerable to degradation. This is why it is important to work with an experienced company like American Asphalt to ensure the job is done correctly. 

Poor Maintenance

Though poor construction can make pavement vulnerable, lack of maintenance will destroy even the sturdiest of road surfaces. Once small cracks form, water begins to infiltrate the foundation. Expanding ice and operational pressures gradually deepen cracks. If property owners do not address minor damage as it develops, they may soon discover significant, costly breakdowns.

How Crack Sealing Protects Asphalt

All these threats become more severe if the pavement is already cracked. A whole and unbroken asphalt surface has the strength and flexibility to withstand various challenges and stresses. As damage begins to form, however, that integrity is lost. This is why proactive maintenance and repair are imperative.

Crack sealing allows property owners to address damage as it appears. This process uses a melter to melt hard rubber blocks into flowable liquid form. The liquid is inserted directly into asphalt cracks via a wand applicator. The material fills the crack, forming a strong flexible bond that restores pavement integrity and prevents water infiltration.

This method is most effective as a proactive measure to prevent accelerated deterioration. It’s meant to repair minor cracks before they expand and begin to threaten your pavement’s integrity. Once cracks reach the base layers, more aggressive – and expensive – emergency repair becomes necessary.