Bitumen, sand, and gravel are mixtures of aggregates, binders, and fillers that are used to surface roads, driveways, and parking lots. Asphalt is a petroleum-based compound. It is frequently utilized due to its affordability, rapid drying speed, superior traction, and protracted wear-down period. Naturally, asphalt will ultimately become worn out and require replacement or repair. Cracks, holes, and cracking may appear on the asphalt’s surface. It’s helpful to understand the main reasons behind asphalt deterioration whether you intend to use asphalt restoration or just want to avoid problems in the first place.

Excessive Moisture

The substance asphalt is highly porous. Its surface will allow water to seep through to some degree. Variations in the external temperature might cause expansion and contraction, which will actually shift the asphalt. Little cracks may consequently appear, enabling more moisture to leak in and causing further issues. The good news is that you can stop the issue from getting worse by hiring asphalt maintenance services to fix small cracks. Although you may not be able to regulate precipitation or unfavorable weather, you may think about using gutters or drainage to reroute adjacent water sources.

Surface Pressure

Asphalt is extremely durable and can withstand a lot of weight, but constant pressure from heavy vehicles or machinery will take its toll. This is why major roadways and parking lots need to be repaved every few years compared to less frequently traveled roads.

Exposure to the Sun

In the same way that the sun can burn and destroy human flesh, it may also damage the surface of asphalt. Because asphalt is so dark, it absorbs more heat from the sun. Cracks and disintegration will occur rapidly because to the intense UV exposure. Even years after it is placed, asphalt can soften in extremely hot weather. It is hence more vulnerable to injury. The more asphalt is exposed to sunshine, the more it will fade. Regular surface sealing can help to mitigate this damage to some degree.

Chemical Exposure

It’s common for asphalt to be exposed to a variety of chemicals in high-traffic areas. Products such as gasoline, oil, and other vehicular materials may accumulate from vehicles that are passing over the surface or parking on the asphalt. The stronger a chemical is, the less time it will take for etching and damage to occur. A protective sealcoat will add a new layer of protection each year to prevent chemical damage. If you have control over an area like your driveway, try to prevent spills from occurring.

Temperature Fluctuations

Although asphalt is robust by nature, it may not hold up as well in regions of the country that see significant temperature swings. For instance, during the summer, temperatures in a northern region such as New York can soar to around 100 degrees. It is possible for wintertime temperatures to drop below zero. Over time, the expansion and contraction brought on by these variations put stress and strain on the asphalt, eventually resulting in deterioration. When Mother Nature is to fault, there isn’t much that can be done to avoid this problem, but regular repairs and asphalt maintenance can increase the product’s lifespan. It might also be necessary to replace more frequently using asphalt paving services.

Asphalt breakdown will occur over time; you can’t completely prevent this. However, you can have maintenance and asphalt restoration performed that will lengthen its life span. Superior Asphalt is a licensed and insured engineering firm serving Miami-Dade & Broward counties that offers roadway and parking lot services in addition to resolving and preventing ADA violations, providing personalized designs, and building and management solutions throughout an entire project. Founded by Jose A. Franco in 1998, Superior Asphalt is now a go-to asphalt paving company in Miami for property managers and associations to work with. It consists of a team of individuals with more than 50 years of experience in this field of work. You can request an estimate for more information or contact us to inquire about the details of a specific project. Parking lot maintenance, roadways, and driveways are just some of what Superior Asphalt will tackle.