Laying Down the Pavement

Reasons For Cracks In Your Asphalt Paving

12 December 2022 by Clifton Sullivan

Asphalt paving provides an affordable, safe, and attractive solution for your driveway. However, your asphalt surface might wear down over time and start to develop cracks. Such defects on your driveway tarnish its appearance while accelerating the rate of deterioration. And since cracks on your driveway can reduce the eventual resale value of your property, you should engage a paving contractor. They will perform routine maintenance checks on your driveway and repair cracks and other imperfections. The following are the reasons cracks may develop in your asphalt paving. 

Moisture Accumulation 

Even though asphalt is waterproof, it is not immune to damage by moisture. As such, moisture infiltration in the driveway may lead to a loss of bonding between bitumen and aggregates. In addition, moisture may drive away the gravel and sand base, causing cracks in the asphalt. If you neglect the cracks, they may progressively result in potholes. Moreover, water may seep through the cracks and waterlog the base material causing it to shift. Therefore, you should hire a paving company to seal coat your driveway and ensure a proper elevation for appropriate drainage.

Trees and Shrubs

Plants such as trees and shrubs have extensive root systems. Over time, these roots may spread and infiltrate the asphalt paving. As a result, the roots cause significant damage to your driveway as they exert uneven pressure from below, causing cracks. Furthermore, root intrusion on the asphalt surface can compromise the compaction on the foundation. This may force gravel upwards from the ground, causing total failure of your asphalt driveway. To avoid this, hire an arborist to trim your trees regularly. That way, you'll prevent the vegetation from interfering with the integrity of your driveway.

Temperature Change

Asphalt is vulnerable to damage by sudden temperature shifts. For instance, water may creep through tiny crevices, causing its expansion and contraction as it undergoes the freezing and thawing cycles. As a result, the asphalt surface will crack and deteriorate further due to harsh deicers meant to remove ice. Extreme heat can also cause the binders to disintegrate, causing the asphalt to crack.

Ground Movements

Frost and thaw during winter might cause the ground to shift constantly. In addition, the ground may shift due to tremors and storms. These movements cause decompression of the underlying base layer. This causes the gravel to move, exerting force on the asphalt and making it crack.

Cracks on the asphalt driveway will distort the curb appeal of your property. That's why you should schedule routine maintenance with a professional paving contractor. They will inspect and fix cracks in time to avoid surface deterioration.

Contact a local paving service, such as All Star Paving, LLC, to learn more. 

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