Identify and fix asphalt damages with these tips

Asphalt is a fantastic option for paving a large surface that is cost-effective, visually striking, and easily maintained. However, asphalt can eventually succumb to the elements and start showing signs of damage.

Fortunately, many of the issues are easily repaired. When it comes to asphalt, a crack is rarely just a crack, so here are a few of the most common issues to look for and how to take care of them.

Cracking edges

Edge cracking will appear as long cracks that follow the direction of the path or driveway. These types of cracks can be due to:

• poor drainage
• Dry, shrinking soil
• Heavy vegetation along the edge
• Heavy and excessive traffic

Edge cracks should be filled with asphalt sealant or emulsion. You should also attempt to improve the drainage and move vegetation further away from the path.

Fatigue cracking

Fatigue cracking is visible as numerous small cracks localized to an area. It is sometimes referred to as “alligator cracking” because it creates a texture similar to an alligator’s skin.

This problem is due to a flaw during asphalt installation, constant excessive loads, poor drainage, or a combination of these. Extreme temperature fluctuations may also contribute to fatigue cracking. A driveway paving Sydney professional will need to strengthen and reinforce the area to prevent further damage.

Reflection cracking (longitudinal cracking)

Reflection cracking appears as straight cracks along the surface that mirror sub-layer cracking or shifting in the sub-layer. They may also appear as grids across the surface.

You can repair reflection cracks by filling them with sealant or asphalt fill to block moisture from entering the crack and causing more damage.

Slippage cracks

A slippage crack makes it appear as if the asphalt is sliding along the pavement’s surface and can show up as wrinkles and wide gaps. Using too much sand in the asphalt mix can cause the top layer to not properly adhere to the lower layer.

Sydney paving professionals can repair slippage cracks using partial or full depth patches. They install depth patches by removing the damaged asphalt all the way to the base layer before filling it with new asphalt.

Rutting

Vehicle wheels can create indentations called rutting in poorly laid asphalt. Ruts are the result of insufficient compaction during installation but can also be caused by moisture trapped in the asphalt. Sydney paving specialists will repair ruts using cold mill and add an overlay to level out the surface.

Pavement swells

Shrinking and expanding soil beneath the asphalt can create swells. Most swells occur when the asphalt is laid over soil that is heavy with minerals or clay. These types of soil are influenced by changes in humidity. The only way to repair a swell is to cut the offending area out and replace it with a full-depth patch.

Need help in paving your Sydney property?

Phil and the team at About Paving can help guide you and also source the best pavers for your project. We offer a no-obligation call. With our network of Sydney paving suppliers, we aim to access the best prices possible.

Find out more about our Sydney paving services right here.

More Sydney paving tips and information

Here are other informative articles that you can read to know regarding Paving in Sydney:

Things to Consider When Paving a Large Driveway

Sydney Paving Tips – 6 Benefits of Driveway Pavers

Sydney Paving Tips – Best Type of Pool Pavers

Other useful links

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Driveway Pavers Sydney

Pool Paving Sydney

Pennant Hills Paving

Castle Hill Paving

North Shore Paving