Parking lots, multi-family driveways and other paved surfaces are prone to cracking. While some cracks may be on the surface or need little to no repair, the health of your asphalt may rely on a professional inspection. There are two categories of cracks in asphalt and this is how you can fix them.
Shrinkage Crack
A shrinkage crack is the most common type of crack. Oxidation dries out the asphalt and it can shrink and crack like drying mud. These cracks begin as hairline cracks and work their way down to the base of the asphalt. Unfortunately, even for small cracks, the moisture can penetrate the concrete and lead to further damage.
Stress Crack
Stress cracks form when the asphalt is not strong enough to hold the weight that it is expected to carry. Weight presses down hard against the pavement and hence causes it to bend. Often you will see these types of cracks on road edges or in front of dumpsters.
Crack Sealant
Crack sealant is famous for preserving asphalt. Whenever you have a crack, little or big, prioritize sealing them. Your parking lot’s lifespan will drop dramatically if you have moisture entering through the cracks in the top. As the moisture moves downward, it can erode the base and destroy its load bearing capacity. Shrinkage cracks can lead to stress cracks and keep in mind that the latter is more difficult to repair. Sealant is all you need for a shrinkage crack. However, when it comes to stress cracks that begin at the base, it may take more work to fix the cracks.
Contractors use sealcoats to prevent shrinkage caused by oxidation from the water and sun, whereas fog seals restore oils that help restore asphalt’s flexibility.
Asphalt seal is the best at taking care of cracks in the pavement. The sooner you fix a crack, the less likely it is to grow and become more serious over time. For a reliable contractor to help you through asphalt maintenance, contact NVM Paving & Concrete by calling (703) 372-9335 or sending an email to [email protected] to get a free estimate for your next project.
