What Could Cause Asphalt To Crack?

June 28, 2022

What Could Cause Asphalt To Crack?

Asphalt is a superior pavement option to concrete, specifically for driveways and parking lots. And while this material is durable and resilient, it can incur expensive and inconvenient damages. But what could cause asphalt to crack? Read on to learn more about the three main culprits for poor asphalt conditions.

Moisture

The biggest cause of asphalt cracks and general damage is moisture retention. An excess of water within asphalt deteriorates the material and leads to shifting. This movement eventually results in cracks and potholes.

Failing to fix these damages will result in a progressively worse issue, leaving your driveway or parking lot functionless. Luckily, asphalt holds significantly less moisture than concrete, making it the superior pavement option. Remove your concrete base before installing asphalt to increase your pavement’s drainage efficiency.

Temperature Change

When it comes to causes of asphalt damage, temperature change is often the main culprit. Mainly, it can exasperate other causes, such as moisture retention. Now, this isn’t to say that asphalt is vulnerable to extreme weather. In truth, asphalt is very resilient and durable.

However, sudden temperature changes greatly impact asphalt conditions. Water that seeps into your pavement can freeze during cold fronts, which expands and pushes out chunks of asphalt—this is usually how potholes are formed. Sudden bouts of intense heat can expand asphalt and cause it to retain too much moisture and crack.

Poor-Condition Asphalt

We mentioned this briefly, but asphalt cracking is a progressive problem. Damages get worse at a faster rate the longer these issues are left alone. So, driveways and parking lots already in bad condition are more likely to crack than seal-coated, well-maintained surfaces.

Sealcoating is a form of maintenance repair that involves applying asphalt sealer over an asphalt driveway or parking lot, ensuring better protection against temperature changes and moisture retention. Use asphalt crack filling equipment to even out any damages and fix cracks before seal coating. These practices ensure your asphalt’s condition is optimal for handling hazards.

Understanding what causes asphalt cracks and damages is essential, especially for asphalt maintenance businesses. This knowledge can better educate you on the best methods for repairing poor-condition driveways and parking lots.




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog

A close-up of a worker on the side of the road. They are making new walkway surface markings with a line striping machine.
How To Choose the Right Paint Striping Machine

October 07, 2024

Ready to upgrade your line striping equipment? Here’s how to find the perfect machine for your business and take your markings to the next level!

Continue Reading

A close-up of three workers' shovels raking and tamping the ground as they pour more asphalt.
Tips for Maintaining Your Asphalt Pavement

September 13, 2024

Enhance your driveway's lifespan with our expert tips on asphalt maintenance. You can preserve your pavement through cleaning, crack filling, and sealcoating.

Continue Reading

A worker on the road patches and repairs asphalt cracks in the road by filling and sealing with blacktop filler.
Why You Should Repair Cracks in the Fall

August 28, 2024

Address cracks promptly this fall to ensure your driveway remains in top condition. Learn expert tips for effective repairs and long-lasting results.

Continue Reading