The Luxury of a Paved Surface

Asphalt is a popular paving material for driveways, but it is not indestructible and requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity. Over time, asphalt can develop cracks and potholes that can cause safety hazards and reduce the aesthetics of your property. Repairing these issues is essential to maintain the pavement's integrity. 

What Causes Asphalt To Develop Large Potholes?

Potholes are one of the most common issues with asphalt pavements. The most significant cause of potholes is soil erosion under the pavement. As the soil beneath the asphalt erodes, it causes the pavement to sink and create a depression. Cars driving over the depression will cause the pavement to crack and collapse. Unfortunately, potholes grow in size if they are not patched and filled immediately.

Why Would You Resurface The Asphalt Pavement?

Replacing the damaged surface with fresh asphalt can restore many of the issues the pavement could experience. This method is used to repair moderate to severe damage to the pavement, such as cracks, potholes, and ruts.

Resurfacing has the advantage of providing a smooth and uniform surface while avoiding the expense of replacing the pavement. This can improve the aesthetics of the pavement and make it more appealing to users. In addition, resurfacing can help improve the safety of the pavement by removing hazardous conditions, such as potholes and cracks.

Are Asphalt Patches A Durable Option?

Asphalt patches are another popular option for repairing damaged asphalt pavement. Asphalt patches are typically used to repair minor to medium-sized potholes and cracks. They use a mixture of asphalt and aggregate, which is compacted and smoothed over the damaged area. A benefit of asphalt patches is that they are extremely durable. When properly installed, asphalt patches can last for years, even in areas with heavy traffic.

However, it is important to note that asphalt patches are not a permanent solution. Over time, they may start to degrade and require additional maintenance. More specifically, they may need to be replaced if they begin to come loose or otherwise fail. Regularly sealcoating the asphalt can significantly extend the life of the patch.

Asphalt driveways provide a safe and durable surface for vehicles to drive and park. However, asphalt pavements can develop damage, leading to safety hazards and reducing the property's aesthetics. Whether you choose resurfacing, asphalt patches, or a complete replacement, it is essential to work with a professional paving contractor to ensure the repairs are done correctly and to a high standard.

Contact a local paving repair service to learn more.