Common Causes of Asphalt Damage and What to Do About It

If you have asphalt paving on your property, you know how important it is to keep it in good condition. Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your asphalt, but sometimes damage occurs due to environmental factors or other causes. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common sources of asphalt damage, as well as what you can do about them.

UV Rays and Sunlight Damage

Asphalt is a resilient material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but unfortunately, it isn’t immune from the effects of UV rays and sunlight. Prolonged exposure to these elements can cause the surface of your asphalt paving to become dry, brittle, and cracked. This type of damage is often compounded by weathering caused by water seeping into cracks in the pavement and freezing during colder months. To prevent UV ray damage, make sure to sealcoat your asphalt regularly (ideally every 3-5 years). Regular sealing will protect your asphalt against UV rays and help prevent more serious damage in the future.

Oil Spills

Oil spills are another common source of asphalt damage. Oil has a tendency to soak into any porous surface—including pavement—and cause discoloration over time. Not only does oil discoloration look bad, but it also weakens the integrity of the surface over time. If left untreated for too long, oil spills can cause extensive damage that may require replacement instead of repair. To reduce the risk of oil spills damaging your pavement, make sure that any vehicles parked on or near your property are properly maintained and checked for leaks regularly. You should also clear up any oil spills as soon as possible after they occur in order to minimize their effects on your pavement surface.

Weather Damage

The weather can wreak havoc on all types of outdoor surfaces—including asphalt paving! Heavy rainstorms or snowfall can cause water seepage into cracks in pavement; if left unchecked for too long, this could lead to larger cracks or even sinkholes forming in your driveway or parking lot! Similarly, extreme heat during summer months can cause expansion in certain areas while also drying out other parts which could then lead to cracking or crumbling over time if not addressed quickly enough. The best way to combat weather-related damage is with regular maintenance like crack filling and sealcoating so that any potential issues are caught early on before they become more serious problems down the line.

Conclusion

Keeping your asphalt paving in good condition is key for preserving its longevity and making sure it looks great for years to come! Now you know some common sources of asphalt damage – such as UV rays & sunlight exposure, oil spills, & weather – and what steps you need to take when addressing them (sealcoating regularly + crack filling & sealcoating for maintenance). If you're looking for Paving & Asphalt Contractor services in Lake County area feel free contact Custom Construction Paving LLC today! We look forward hearing from you soon!