Asphalt driveways are generally durable, capable of resisting everyday stresses to offer you a safe and aesthetically pleasing driveway. Unfortunately, these things do not last forever, and after a while, they will deteriorate to the point that repair or even replacement is needed. These endeavours can be quite costly, so knowing the signs that your pavement needs repairs or replacement will help you save time, money, and stress trying to keep your driveway in the best condition possible.
With that said, here are the signs telling you that your asphalt driveway needs to be repaired or replaced:
1) Aging
A good driveway can last anywhere from ten to fifteen years. After that, it can start to show cracks, fading, and various other types of damage. You might also notice crumbling in the edges of the driveway and holes popping up everywhere. You may be able to repair many of these issues, but it will get expensive if it happens too often. As such, a complete replacement might be a better idea.
2) Raveling
Raveling happens when pieces of the asphalt start to break apart, developing pits and leaving gravel sprinkled across the surface. If you notice this problem early, you can hire a paving company to fix the issue. However, it can hurt the entire driveway’s integrity if left to worsen, necessitating a total replacement. You will know that this is the case when you see large pieces of the driveway breaking off, along with an overall rougher surface.
3) Missing Chunks
Cracks can develop over time on your asphalt driveway, and many of these cracks can cause chunks of asphalt to come loose and disappear. This can lead to potholes on the surface, which can be dangerous. You can easily temporarily fix this by filling the hole with some cement mix or an asphalt mix. However, water will seep in and loosen the material eventually, so it is best to have the asphalt replaced by professionals.
4) Standing Water
Standing water is a sign that there is a drain problem with your asphalt. This can be caused by depressions and pits in the asphalt, which can slowly form over the years. If left to sit, the water can eat away at the top layer of the driveway. When winter sets in, this can cause the water to freeze and crack the surface, weakening the entire driveway. As such, having these problems repaired ensures the surface is safe from water damage.
Conclusion
Any signs of cracks, crumbling, pits, depressions, and the like are all signs that your asphalt driveway needs some major attention. If not addressed right away, many of these small problems can turn expensive. What could have been fixed with a small and simple repair will require a full replacement, so be sure to act right away when you see any problems in your driveway. That being said, take the time to maintain your driveway once in a while. This includes inspections, keeping the surface clear from objects, and addressing any problems you may find.
W&W Construction is a full-service paving contractor offering services to residential and commercial clients in Edmonton. If you need asphalt pavement services, contact us today and get the service you need!
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