If you see cracks in the pavement of your property, your first thought might be that it is unsightly. However, you may not realize that broken pavement may be a sign of something more serious. While certain kinds of cracks may not necessarily mean anything is wrong, there are specific types of cracks that can act as a warning. This is why you must be aware of these three particular types of pavement cracks.
Three Cracks That Need To Be Fixed By An Asphalt Paving Company
1 – Ice Cracks
When there are cracks in the pavement, water can easily seep into the gaps between them. During frigid, cold seasons, the temperatures can drop to below zero. The water that is trapped in the crevices can quickly freeze and expand. This will force the cracks to widen, and the ice will leave wider gaps after it melts. These cracks can leave your pavement in an uneven state that may harm cars and other vehicles that pass on it.
2 – Alligator Cracks
This type of crack gets its name from the skin of its reptile namesake. The pattern of the cracks looks similar to that of alligator skin. Alligator cracks are indicative of something more serious going on under the pavement. There may be many things that are amiss underneath that are unseen by the naked eye. These cracks often indicate that there may be weak areas on the surface of the pavement or that there is poor drainage underneath.
3 – Block Cracking
Block cracking may be a sign of the declining quality of the asphalt binder. This may mean that the asphalt binder has aged and is no longer able to expand as it should. If the block cracking is spotted before it becomes too large, it may be repaired by adding a sealant to the area. If it is corrected before the damage becomes too great, the pavement surface will be able to work as it should for the coming years.
Conclusion
Cracks in the pavement not only make your property unattractive, but they can also be signs that something more serious is going on underneath. Even if you cannot see what the underlying problem is, looking at the formation of the cracks can shed light as to what is causing the damage and how to repair it. However, knowing what the cause of the problem is and fixing it are two different things.
Additionally, some types of cracks will worsen more quickly than others. Others will require a professional eye to repair them. You may cause more damage to the area if you attempt to fix the problem on your own. You may also not be aware that the solution you may be applying may only be a temporary fix.
This is why the best course of action is to call an asphalt paving company to fix your pavement for you. They will be able to assess the problem, get to the bottom of it, and present a solution to make your pavements functional once more.
W&W Construction is a full-service paving contractor in Edmonton that serves residential and commercial clients. Instead of trying to fix your pavement yourself, give us a call, and we will get the job done for you!
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