Port Charlotte - Sarasota - North Port - Arcadia - Punta Gorda
What Causes Asphalt to Fail?
Assuming that the initial asphalt pavement was designed and constructed properly, the primary cause of failure is the penetration of water into the asphalt base. Asphalt failure often begins with the oxidation of an untreated pavement surface which causes the asphalt to become dry and brittle. The top layer of fine particles erodes, exposing the larger aggregate and leading to small cracks on the surface. These cracks will grow if left untreated, allowing water to penetrate to the base of the pavement. When water enters the base of the pavement, the base material shifts and settles leading to further cracking and a depression in the surface. As water pools in the depressed area, the asphalt further deteriorates and becomes unstable. When the pavement reaches this stage, removal and replacement of the old asphalt is often the only remedy..
What can I do to prevent pavement failures??
Periodic and preventative maintenance is the key. Budget money for crack filling on a yearly basis. Typically a few hundred dollars a year in crack filling will save you thousands in patching when resurfacing is required. If deteriorated pavement is caused by poor sub-base conditions, periodic patching may be required to keep those areas from spreading
What is Asphalt
Asphalt pavement is usually 95% aggregate, which could be stone, sand, or gravel, and 5% asphalt cement as a binder. The binder is a product of oil refining and acts to glue the aggregates together. The aggregate and asphalt are heated, combined with the recycled material and mixed together. Then we load the hot pavement material into trucks and take it out to the site.
What are the main benefits of Asphalt
It costs less to construct and maintain asphalt than alternative pavements.- Asphalt construction projects can be completed more quickly than alternative pavements.
- Asphalt pavements are the smoothest pavements.
- Asphalt pavements generate less noise than alternative pavements.
- The contrast of the black pavement and white lines make it easier for motorists to understand driving and parking regulations, making asphalt safer.
- Properly designed, constructed and maintained asphalt pavements last significantly longer than alternative pavements.
- Asphalt is recyclable.
What can I do to protect my Asphalt?
- Sealcoat within 1 year after installing new asphalt.
- Sealcoat every 3-5 years thereafter
- Regularly check for longitudinal or transverse cracking and have cracks sealed.
- Patch low areas before cracking develops.
- Minimize irrigation run-off onto your asphalt
- Work with a quality asphalt maintenance company like Suncoast Asphalt & Sealcoating, to develop an asphalt maintenance plan that specifically meets your needs and budget
To Learn more about sealcoating and its benefits visit our sealcoating section of this site by clicking here section of this site.
