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From parking lots to residential driveways, it’s no secret that asphalt surfaces can suffer from different kinds of structural and visual damage. When this damage is serious, it can even endanger vehicles and pedestrians. If you’d like to keep your asphalt surfaces safe and intact, learn about the three most common causes of pavement damage below.

3 Common Causes of Asphalt Damage

1. Thin Pavement

To stand up to traffic and elements for years to come, skilled asphalt paving contractors make sure that all surfaces are at least two inches thick. Thinner asphalt is vulnerable to cracking, as rain and humidity soak in and soften the surface over time. To help your driveway or parking lot stand up to normal wear and tear, you’ll have to correct the thickness of your asphalt surface.

2. Base Issues

asphaltBefore asphalt can be poured, paving contractors must lay down a support structure underneath. This starts with a sub-grade layer comprised of stone aggregate. This layer is topped with a load-bearing base layer made of stone and binder asphalt. If these layers aren’t thick enough, aren’t properly compacted, or are made of improper materials such as clay, they won’t provide a stable foundation for the asphalt. These conditions will result in cracks and potholes.

3. Neglect

Asphalt surfaces often accumulate damage when smaller repair issues are neglected. For example, if you don’t take preventive measures to protect your driveway or parking lot, such as by sealcoating the asphalt, it will crack and fade much faster. If you don’t keep an eye out for small surface cracks, they could extend much deeper into the asphalt, leading to potholes and base-layer damage.

 

 

If your asphalt surface has deteriorated, turn to Glacier Paving of Kalispell, MT, for lasting repairs. They boast over 75 years of combined experience, and they cater to residential and commercial clients alike. With cost-effective solutions like cold mix asphalt patching, it’s easy to restore your property without breaking the bank. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website or call (406) 257-8181 to request a free estimate.

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