Some things only show the stress that they are under once they finally break. For example, a car’s windshield may look fine, but it can spontaneously crack after exposure to direct sunlight for many years. As a rule, asphalt pavements are not like that. They typically give visual evidence that they are in distress. If you know what to look for, your Long Island asphalt pavement contractor can salvage your pavement before the distress gets so bad that removal and replacement is your only viable option.
What Are the Signs of Distress in Long Island Asphalt?
Long Island asphalt pavement exposes itself to seasonal temperature fluctuations, heavy traffic, and occasional bouts of severe weather. These factors can cause occasional potholes, cracks, or minor damage. However, when paving contractors speak of distress, they do not mention these types of damage. Instead, they are discussing the following signs:
1. Ruts in the pavement are normally confined to the wheel path.
They indicate that the asphalt, its foundation, or both are insufficient to withstand current traffic levels or weights.
2. Alligator cracks are a special type of asphalt crack.
They connect to form a pattern reminiscent of an alligator’s scales. They usually result from a weak and destabilized foundation eroded by water seeping below the surface. However, they can also develop if the asphalt is too thin to support the demands placed on the pavement. Rarely can they develop if the commercial paving contractor who constructed the pavement cannot properly compact the asphalt.
3. Pumping refers to mud or water that traffic forces to the pavement’s surface.
It indicates that water has penetrated beneath the asphalt and is likely eroding the foundation. The most likely cause of pumping is an inadequate drainage system.
4. Flushing
This is what a parking lot paving company calls the smooth, shiny blotches that can appear on asphalt pavement, typically in the wheel paths.
5. Tears or crescent-shaped wrinkles indicate a bond failure.
Bond failures, which typically happen within a year of the installation, allow vehicles to encourage the pavement to move. The most common cause is an installation error.
6. Shoving creates a damage pattern that often resembles a washboard.
Shoving shows up where vehicles brake and accelerate, including near crosswalks or stop signs. The most common cause is an incorrect mix containing too little aggregate or asphalt cement.
How Can Distress Asphalt Be Repaired?
When the distress is found early, repairing a Long Island asphalt pavement cost-effectively may be feasible. However, it depends on how much the pavement is affected and the type and cause of the distress. There can come a point when reconstructing the pavement is more cost-effective. If a Long Island paving company determines a repair is a good option, then the company will utilize one of the following methods.
1. Resurfacing: A predetermined depth of the asphalt can be grounded off with a milling machine, then the long island paving company can overlay the area. Overlays require a stable foundation, so they are only sometimes cost-effective if more than 30% of the foundation is compromised.
2. Patching: A full- or partial-depth patch may be a solution depending on the problem and the extent of the damage. With a full-depth patch, contractors remove the full depth of the asphalt to expose the foundation, enabling them to repair it. With a partial-depth patch, the foundation is no longer exposed to the elements.
Royal Pavement can assess your asphalt pavement, recommend the best action, and execute the solution. We offer various paving services, including asphalt resurfacing, asphalt paving, seal coating, asphalt milling, building maintenance, parking lot striping, asphalt crack sealing, concrete repair, site work, and concrete flatwork. We are a respectable company with an impeccable reputation. Please submit our online form today to ask for a free quote. If you prefer, you can send an email to info@RoyalPavementSolutions.com. If you want to discuss your paving needs over the phone, please call us at 844-777-7924.