Asphalt is an attractive and durable material for driveways and parking lots, but a variety of factors can cause it to prematurely deteriorate. While all asphalt surfaces are subject to wear and tear as they age, cracking shouldn’t be a problem that appears until many years after installation. By knowing why asphalt can break down and separate, you can help extend the lifespans of your paved surfaces. Here are a few of the most common reasons asphalt cracks develop. 

What Causes Cracking in Asphalt?

1. Improper Installation 

Cracks often form on asphalt surfaces due to a poorly constructed foundation at the time of installation. Certain contractors may use inferior materials to save time and money, or they may fail to pack the stone base down as tightly as they should. In turn, the material will shift with changing temperatures and crack as a result. Avoid these problems by looking for an experienced, licensed, and insured contracting service that offers warranties. 

2. Excessive Weight 

Heavy vehicles and oversize loads can make asphalt crack if the pavement wasn’t specifically built to withstand the extra weight. For instance, leaving construction equipment or an RV parked in a residential driveway for an extended period can put too much weight on the surface, causing it to weaken and start separating.

3. Ground Movements

Asphalt surfaces are naturally forced to expand and contract year after year when the ground goes through its seasonal freeze and thaw cycles. This places a great deal of pressure on your pavement, and it can eventually result in cracks. Having your driveway or parking lot professionally sealed will help prevent weather and climate changes from taking a toll on it. 

4. Exposure to Sun  

The sun heats asphalt and dries it out, making the material brittle. When this happens, the paved surface becomes vulnerable to cracking from normal vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Sealcoating your surface and ensuring that first-rate materials are used during installation will guarantee your paved surface’s ability to withstand harsh ultraviolet rays. 

Even small cracks can present a costly problem for your asphalt driveway or parking lot. For help preventing early cracking or tending to areas that have already begun to deteriorate, contact the professionals at Glacier Paving. Backed by more than 75 years of combined experience, they know how to properly protect asphalt surfaces to ensure your paving investment lasts for years to come. Call (406) 257-8181 to request a free job estimate or visit their website to view a gallery of past projects.