Facts and Fun: Pavement Edition

Posted on: 17 May 2021

Your asphalt driveway is a major focal point that clients notice before entering your commercial building. That's why it should always be in pristine condition lest people have a negative impression of your business. An excellent way of doing so is by hiring professional commercial driveway paving services whenever the need for repair arises. But what are the signs you should look out for? Read on to find out.

1. Cracks

Asphalt paving suffers structural damage whenever water seeps into its foundation. As a result, the pavement develops cracks that can lead to more serious problems. Remember that more water will drain into the foundation as the cracks widen. The water will then freeze and expand due to temperature fluctuations. Once the ice starts melting, it's likely to create a hollow section that will collapse when a vehicle passes on top of it, marking the beginning of potholes.

Keep in mind that potholes can cause automobile issues such as improper wheel alignment. They can also reduce available parking space for your clients, not to mention that a pedestrian might trip and sustain serious injuries. With that in mind, it's crucial to call in commercial asphalt paving contractors immediately when you come across cracks and potholes.

2. Stagnant Water

Rainwater is likely to stagnate on the driveway that has furrows or depressions. These furrows usually result from trucks parked in the same space for long periods. They can also be caused by the settling of the gravel layer located beneath the asphalt. Sure, the gravel is usually compacted during the installation process, but remember that it is susceptible to expansion and contraction due to earth movements. The resultant weak points could lead to the formation of depressions responsible for the stagnation.

As mentioned earlier, water can contribute to potholes and cracks. For that reason, it's advisable to consult a commercial asphalt paving expert to assess the situation the moment your driveway develops pools of water.

3. Faded Driveway  

Your asphalt pavement should always have a rich black color. But ultraviolet (UV) radiation can make it fade, signaling more significant problems to come. The UV rays can weaken the paving gradually and make it vulnerable to cracks and potholes. The good news is that an asphalt paving contractor can prevent this from happening by using techniques such as sealcoating.

Wondering whether it's time to call in a commercial driveway asphalt paving repair company? If you have noticed any of the above signs, it is time to call the contractor for repair services.

For more information, contact a company like JW Paving & Sons Inc.