Asphalt has a reputation for long-lasting strength, as it can withstand heavy use and the elements for many years. Despite their durability, paved roads aren’t impervious to wear, and they require diligent asphalt maintenance to deter lasting damage. Here are a few factors that cause severe harm to your roadways.

What Causes Asphalt Erosion?

1. Environmental Conditions

Extreme heat, brisk mornings, and heavy rain can cause the asphalt’s binding agent to lose its elasticity and disintegrate. The weakened material will oxidize over time, causing the pavement to crack, crumble, and allow water to seep beneath the surface. This will eventually lead to erosion and extensive physical damage.

2. Auto Fluids

Oil, grease, and gasoline are common on roadways where vehicle traffic is ever-present. When these auto fluids pool on asphalt, they leave stains that penetrate deep into the pavement, weakening the material and leaving it vulnerable to erosion. While cosmetic asphalt maintenance, like pressure washing or burning the road, will remove surface stains, the chemicals sitting in the pavement will continue degrading the material.

3. Lack of Maintenance

Early identification of hairline cracks, water damage, and oil stains will help you implement improvements before the issues worsen, saving you time and money on extensive repairs. Typically, asphalt maintenance includes crack sealing and sealcoating to deter UV oxidation and water damage. These two preventative tasks will help protect the roadways, even under heavy use.

If you want to safeguard your public roads from everyday erosion, turn to the skilled team at Peterson Bros. Construction, Inc., in Kapolei, HI. These professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured, and they’ve completed asphalt maintenance, sealcoating, and paving projects across Oahu for over 60 years. Get more information about their services online, or call (808) 495-8882 to request a free estimate.