Asphalt parking lots and driveways are expensive investments that need to be properly maintained and protected. The regular effects of vehicles, chemicals, and natural outdoor elements will cause your asphalt to deteriorate over time, but thankfully, there are preventative measures you can take. Here are four proactive measures to prevent asphalt cracks from worsening.
1. Regular Inspection and Proper Repair
The best way to prevent asphalt cracks from worsening is to fix them properly as soon as they start to develop. When asphalt is intact, its surface acts as a barrier shielding the asphalt from any water, chemicals, dust, dirt, or other debris that might try to enter cracks and weaken the asphalt.
However, as soon as a small crack develops it tends to grow and create other cracks because the structural integrity of the asphalt is compromised and contaminants can enter. Visually inspecting the asphalt regularly and repairing damaged sections promptly is the best way to stop small problems from growing into large ones. Patching works as a short-term solution. However, sometimes entire sections need to be cut, removed, and re-poured.
2. Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a tar-like substance that is spread over damaged asphalt to help seal, bond, and superficially repair cracked and damaged areas. It’s similar to putting a layer of glue or a large band-aid over existing asphalt cracks and letting it set. It won’t fix the existing, underlying physical cracks and problems. But it will fill in the holes with sealant and create a hard membrane over the asphalt to help prevent additional damage.
Sealcoating is not a perfect solution. But it will slow down the damage, fill in existing problems, give your asphalt a proverbial new coat of paint, and cover your pavement to prevent liquids, vibrations, dirt, debris, and the sun’s harsh UV rays from creating cracks or damage.
3. Control Environmental Factors
Ice, snow, improperly drained water, weeds and plant roots, heavy equipment, and uneven dirt and foundation materials can all destabilize and damage asphalt. If you notice cracks beginning to appear in your asphalt, or you want to be extra cautious before they do, then work to avoid or eliminate these environmental risk factors from potentially harming your asphalt.
4. Patch with Mortar, Caulk, Cement, or Asphalt
Patching or partially sealing with mortar, caulk, cement, or asphalt mix is a cheap, temporary, and short-term solution to slowing down damage or preventing cracks from worsening. It won’t fix the problem and better solutions will eventually be necessary. But patching creates a small, targeted zone of protection to help cracks avoid further damage from water, vibration, debris, ice, and general decay, especially before winter or harsh seasons.
To prevent asphalt cracks from worsening, several steps can be taken, and these steps make a large impact on an asphalt surface. It’s important to spend time taking preventative measures to prevent cracks, but when these cracks occur, it’s vital to make sure you fix them as soon as possible. To fix cracks, devote the time and resources to make sure it happens.
