Asphalt is a paving solution made from a mixture of aggregates, binder, and filter. This makes a material that is highly effective, appealing, long-lasting, and easy to install. That said, despite these features, asphalt may sustain damage from age-related deterioration. When this happens, you may notice splits, potholes, depression, and stripping. Since asphalt damage compromises your driveability, you should hire a paving contractor to assess your driveway and remedy the damages. Below are the factors that impact your asphalt driveway.
Surface Water
Note that contractors install asphalt to eliminate water from areas experiencing heavy traffic. However, water may continuously flow through the driveway in the late winter as it undergoes freezing and melting. As such, the wet surface may cause the oil to separate from the asphalt. Following this, water may seep into the cracks, causing the asphalt to split further. Thus, if you fail to address these cracks, potholes may form and impede a smooth driveway for your workforce and clients. Therefore, you should contact a paving contractor to apply seal coating on the surface to prevent water damage.
Harsh Sunlight
Some harsh weather exposure, such as too much sunlight, can affect your asphalt paving significantly. This occurs due to a chemical reaction when UV radiation hits the asphalt paving. Subsequently, the light and heavy oils combine, reducing the asphalt's binding oil. As a result, the asphalt will wear down and crack. Moreover, hot temperatures lead to asphalt expanding and stripping. Given this, you must contact a paving expert to fill the cracks to prevent potholes. They will also apply a sealcoat on the driveway to protect it from oxidation.
Vehicle Loads
Heavy vehicles passing on your driveway also affect the asphalt. As a result, the driveway may experience fatigue, causing it to bend and crumble. In addition, heavy vehicles exert too much pressure on the asphalt, causing depressions. In such a case, you must ensure the appropriate thickness of mixture placement to resist heavy loads.
Oil
Besides precipitation, oil can adversely affect your asphalt pavement. This is because oil penetrates asphalt, disintegrating the component beneath. Consequently, the pavement may crack, causing pit potholes. Note that since sealcoat does not stick to asphalt surfaces with oil spills, you should fix your leaky vehicle. Moreover, you should avoid placing oil containers near the asphalt driveway to prevent oil spillage.
Although asphalt paving will wear down with time, maintaining it will make it last longer. Thus, you can contact an asphalt driveway paving contractor to service your driveway routinely and ensure it remains safe and appealing.