Asphalt is a popular material used in pavements because of its many benefits. It is more cost-efficient, quieter, more uniform, and safer to use than other options. However, despite it being the favourite material for pavements, it also has its drawbacks. It is more susceptible to deterioration from the elements. If you choose this material, you would need to keep an eye on it to see when it needs repair. Letting the small cracks worsen can eventually lead to repaving, which could be pretty expensive.
In this article, you will learn about the signs that professional pavers look for to determine whether only minor repairs are needed or repaving the entire pathway is necessary.
1. The Age of the Pavement
The first and most obvious reason for replacing an entire pavement is age. Every material and structure has a lifespan. Asphalt pavement, in particular, can last for 15 to 20 years under low traffic conditions and when maintained properly.
2. The Amount of Work Needed
Another factor that needs to be considered is the amount of work that contractors need to do. If your asphalt may not look damaged, but there may be patches and cracks here and there that might be pointless to fix.
In this case, they might recommend you replace the entire asphalt instead, especially if they notice that there are more severe underlying problems under the series of cracks. Make sure to let the experts inspect your asphalt situation, but it is your responsibility to notice the signs of problems.
3. Base’s Condition
Should the problems be only on the top layers, the repaving might not be that thorough. Instead of replacing it with a new one, they could resurface the asphalt. This is the process of removing the top layer of the asphalt and then replacing it with a new layer.
Only professionals can examine the situation of your asphalt underneath, but if you want to have an idea, here are some noticeable signs that you should observe from your asphalt:
- Asphalt cracks mostly because of its response to weather conditions. You will know that something is happening underneath if you notice that the surface is unusually dry and fractured. If that happens, you need to reconsider your options. Full-depth patching may be necessary.
- You may need an overhaul if you notice that there are square-shaped and rectangular-shaped cracks starting to appear on the pathway. A thin overlay might do the job.
- When there are crescent-like cracks, that means your asphalt has high sand content. Patching it up might not stick because of this.
- Cracks on the edges could reflect a lot of things. It could mean poor drainage, insufficient curing time, or strong frost heaves while it was being constructed. You would need to clear out all overgrowth and debris near the edges and seal the cracks with an asphalt sealant.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance and checkups could prevent the need for repaving. With an expert checking on your pavement, you would detect issues that need prompt attention. However, it is still best to rely on professionals. It will be even more helpful if you can recognize the signs of wear and tear right away. That way, you would know if your asphalt is in need of a quick repair or repaving.
Should you need asphalt contractors in Edmonton, we can help. WW Construction is a leading name for residential and commercial paving, repairing, maintaining, and sandblasting. No matter the kind of surface installation services you need, we provide asphalt services to all kinds of properties.
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