Driveway paving is built to last, and for asphalt, the average life span is about 20 years. However, if yours starts to look dilapidated sooner than normal, you likely have some issues that need to be resolved. To find the proper solution, you have to know what kind of damage you’re dealing with. Look out for some of the most common problems below.

What Are Some Common Driveway Paving Problems?

1. Cracks 

Cracks are a common problem for asphalt driveway paving. They come in a few variations and happen for different reasons. For instance, alligator cracks result from structural failure because of heavy loads, weak base, or improper drainage. Linear cracking, on the other hand, can happen due to poor construction and reflective cracks underneath the surface. 

2. Potholes

Characterized by their bowl-shaped depressions, potholes are red flags on driveway paving. Not only are they unsightly, but they also damage your vehicle’s wheel alignment and suspension over time. Potholes start as alligator cracks, but they worsen when they collect moisture. This moisture weakens the paved surface, dislodging large chunks of the driveway during impact.

3. Settling or Sinking

It’s not unusual to see a driveway with minor depressions on the surface, which become more apparent when they fill with rain water. Most of these ruts result from the ground shifting or settling because of continued compaction from traffic. Erosion, rotting tree roots, weak granular base, and moisture infiltration are some of the most frequent causes of surface unevenness.

4. Upheaval

The opposite of settling, upheaval is the upward movement of the pavement due to the expansion of the subgrade. Soil swells because of moisture buildup, which becomes more problematic when it freezes. Frost then pushes up the asphalt, resulting in a cracked, crooked surface.

For the best results on driveway paving repairs, count on C.B. Paving Inc. of Bulverde, TX. Since 1974, they’ve provided quality asphalt paving services, including driveway, parking lot, and private road construction, throughout Comal, Blanco, Gillespie, and Kendall counties. Call (830) 980-2880 to request a free estimate or learn more about these trusted paving contractors online.