Cracks in the asphalt paving of your driveway can be unsightly, but they can also be a sign that your driveway needs maintenance.
Before you call up an asphalt repair company, take a moment to learn about what causes cracks so that you know what to look out for in the future.
Keep reading to find out the top 5 causes for cracks in asphalt paving.
1.Moisture
Moisture, whether it's groundwater or precipitation, is a problem for asphalt. It can displace the ground underneath the asphalt and cause dips and cracks. If enough moisture seeps into the asphalt, it can soften it, making it susceptible to cracking.
Sealing your driveway is an important part of asphalt driveway maintenance. A driveway paving company can seal your driveway regularly to help prevent this kind of damage.
2.Freezing and Thawing
In climates with cold winters, the freeze-thaw cycle is a source of common paving damage. Water causes enough damage on its own when it soaks into asphalt, but when it freezes it expands, pushing open new cracks in the surface.
Cold weather also makes asphalt stiff and brittle, so it is more susceptible to breaking along cracks in freezing temperatures than in warmer weather. This is another scenario where sealing your asphalt pavement regularly can help.
3.Age of the Asphalt
The age of the asphalt also has an impact on its stability. Years of cracks from the weather can take a toll. Asphalt also naturally loses flexibility over time, so minor cracks can become major problems.
If you're experiencing a large increase in asphalt damage and your pavement is more than a decade old, it might be time to hire a professional to repave your driveway.
4.Ground Movements
Ground movements are also a common culprit for asphalt cracks. As the earth underneath the pavement shifts, the asphalt on top might be displaced which causes cracking.
Large events like earthquakes can result in cracks, but much smaller shifts that happen constantly will also have an impact on your paving. Over time the smaller shifts can do just as much damage.
5.Fatigue Cracking
One of the most common types of cracks is fatigue cracking. This happens when there is a lot of traffic over the asphalt, or particularly heavy vehicles use the drive frequently.
Avoid using heavy vehicles on asphalt during extremely hot and extremely cold weather to prevent fatigue cracking. Thicker layers of asphalt paving will also help prevent this kind of crack.
Prevent Future Cracks in Asphalt Paving
Cracks in your asphalt paving are a nuisance and an eyesore. However, you can take steps to fix them before they destroy your whole driveway.
Request a quote from Curtis Paving, serving residential and commercial clients in North & West Vancouver, Vancouver and Burnaby. to repair the cracks in asphalt paving and protect it for future use and enjoyment.