Why Does Pavement Damage Occur?

Pavement damage can occur for many reasons, and it's important to understand why so that you can take preventative measures. This is especially true if you are a business owner or property manager. When left unchecked, pavement damage can cause safety hazards for your employees and customers, and can also lead to costly repairs. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common causes of pavement damage and how you can prevent them.

Weather

One of the most common causes of pavement damage is weather. Extreme temperatures, such as harsh winters and hot summers can cause pavement to crack and deteriorate. Heavy rain and flooding can also cause damage to pavement. Additionally, weather changes cause the pavement to expand and contract repeatedly, which eventually leads to cracks. To protect your pavement from the weather, you should schedule regular preventive maintenance on your pavement to reduce risk of damage. If your pavement is completely destroyed, consider replacing it altogether and upgrading to a better design.

Heavy vehicles

Heavy-duty trucks and heavy equipment can also cause damage. This is especially true for parking lots or driveways that are regularly subjected to heavy traffic. Unlike ordinary cars and trucks, heavy vehicles are heavier, and this weight compromises the stability of the pavement. Regular maintenance of pavement and parking lots can help prevent these damages. Parking lots can also be designed to accommodate heavier loads by reinforcing the pavement beneath the surface.

Poor installation

Poor installation of pavement can also lead to damage over time. If the pavement was not installed properly and the aggregate isn't mixed properly, it is much more likely to break down and deteriorate quickly. You should always make sure that the contractor you use for the installation of the pavement is licensed, insured, and has prior experience working with the project.

Tree roots growth

Trees planted too close to pavement are also capable of causing damage. Their roots can grow into the pavement and cause cracks or heaving. Installing root barriers or removing trees can prevent root growth and consequent tree-related damage. Proper planning and design when installing pavement or parking lots will also prevent damage from trees.

Lack of Maintenance

The pavement that is left uncared for, neglected, or does not have regular maintenance erodes over time and becomes more susceptible to damage from environmental factors and heavy traffic. This is one of the most common causes of pavement damage. It is important to have a maintenance plan for pavement and parking lots to prevent damage. Maintenance includes cleaning, filling cracks, sealingcoat sealing, and regularly repairing pavement when necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether your pavement is a commercial parking lot, a residential driveway, or a public road, it is important to understand the reasons why pavement damage occurs. By taking preventative measures and safeguarding your pavement against environmental and heavy-traffic damage, you can prolong the lifespan of your pavement and potentially avoid costly repairs in the future. If you are seeking for asphalt paving services in Sumpter County, do not hesitate to reach out to Custom Construction Paving for high-quality asphalt paving services at competitive prices.