Vinyl Siding Variations

Bad weather and seasonal temperature fluctuations coupled with heavy traffic can wreak havoc on your asphalt driveways and parking lots, causing extensive damage that can cost a fortune to repair. The only way around this is to constantly be on the lookout for signs of damage and regularly repair any surface problems.

With proper care, there is no reason why your asphalt surfaces should not last for 15 to 20 years, which will  save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Let us look at three common asphalt problems you are likely to face and how to fix them.

Raveling

Sometimes, your driveways, pavements or parking lots can ravel especially if the asphalt mixture used to pave the surface is of poor quality or the pavement binder used has excessively hardened. This causes the surface to loosen and become more susceptible to ice, rain and fluctuating temperatures.

To fix this, an overlying sealant treatment can be applied to coat and smooth the surface. The new layer of sealant can also protect the surface from ice dams and snow during winter or from direct sunlight that causes cracking during the hotter months of the year.

Polished aggregate

This refers to a scenario that can occur when soft aggregate is used to pave your surfaces. Small asphalt aggregate, such as river rock, is problematic as it tends to tear away under heavy foot and vehicle traffic. The loose aggregate creates a slick surface, especially in wet conditions, that can cause cars to skid and people to slip and fall.

To correct polished aggregate damage, work with an experienced asphalt paver to apply a non-stick slurry seal in order to create a solid and skid-resistant surface. The contractor, like those at  LSC Construction Services, Inc.  can recommend appropriate overlay treatments depending on the type of asphalt aggregate used. Fog treatments are usually the best for polished aggregate damage.

Weathering

Asphalt surfaces are susceptible to weathering, which results in potholes and cracks that let moisture and ice into the paving resulting in more extensive damage. Weathering actually refers to the wear and tear that is caused by fluctuating temperatures, rain, ice and sunlight, making asphalt more susceptible to moisture and deicing chemicals.

To prevent weathering, you must identify and seal any cracks and holes on the surface as soon as they develop, and you have to hire an asphalt paver to sealcoat the surface every three years. A faded asphalt surface is the best indicator that the surface is weak and needs to be replaced.