After enduring heavy vehicles and repeated exposure to winter weather, your asphalt driveway may start to show signs of damage over time. In particular, cracks may point to several different underlying issues, some of which must be addressed immediately. Here are some of the most frequent types of asphalt cracks and what they usually indicate.

What Common Asphalt Cracks Indicate

1. Crumbling Edges

When the edges of your asphalt driveway start to crumble, it’s because the surface is too thin. In other words, there isn’t enough paved material to support the weight of the vehicles parked there. This causes the asphalt to crumble at its weakest points. Add edging to your driveway (brick is a popular choice) to keep the pavement in place. 

2. Spiderweb

If you observe cracks in your asphalt pavement that resemble spiderwebs or alligator scales, this is typically a sign of installation errors. For instance, your contractor may have layered asphalt over an old driveway without removing it first, or they may have used too many coats of sealant. Resolve this by removing the damaged asphalt and re-compacting it before overlaying it onto the surface. 

3. Linear

You might also notice hairline cracks running perpendicularly across your driveway. While fillers will provide temporary relief, these cracks will eventually fill with dirt or water and expand, causing them to spread. Use a hot sealer that will bind to the walls of the crack to permanently repair it. 

4. Buckles & Waves

Frost heaving and heavy vehicles may cause your asphalt driveway to bulge or sink. Fix the problem by patching the affected areas, then overlay the surface for a smooth and even finish. 

 

 

Keep your driveway and other paved surfaces in excellent condition with commercial-grade products from Useal USA in Bloomfield, CT. They offer asphalt sealants, crack fillers, and sealcoating solutions to clients throughout the state of Connecticut. Call (860) 263-8339 to ask about products currently in stock and visit the website to shop their convenient online store.