09 Oct What are the Top Causes of Asphalt Deterioration? Insights from an Asphalt Paving Contractor in Winter Garden, Florida
As a commercial property owner in Florida, making sure your asphalt stays in its prime condition is essential. After all, it must withstand the blazing sun and hold up against heavy rain and strong winds. If you want to keep your asphalt surface intact, it’s important to be aware of the top causes of asphalt deterioration so you can prevent them from causing damage. To that end, this asphalt paving contractor in Winter Garden, Florida is going to explain some of the key things you should look out for below.
Excessive Moisture
Excessive rainfall is a leading cause of asphalt deterioration due to how much water it adds to the ground. When rain falls onto the asphalt, it seeps down through the surface and begins eating away at its base layer, where moisture-sensitive materials like sand are located. The rain carries these materials away with it, causing problems with stability, drainage, and traffic hazards.
If you live in a rainy area, your asphalt paving contractor in Winter Garden, Florida will recommend sealing cracks with hot asphalt before rainfall to prevent moisture from getting underneath your pavement.
Surface Pressure
Deterioration due to surface pressure can be caused by various factors, including heavy traffic from vehicular or pedestrian use, improper loading, and neglect. Surface pressure deteriorates the integrity of the asphalt and can lead to potholes.
To prevent deterioration due to surface pressure, parking lots should be properly surfaced, accesses should be created with proper guidance, and no stormwater runoff should be present. Another common cause of cracks caused by surface pressure is improperly planned or under-budgeted repairs. This can also damage your drainage pipes that run alongside your asphalt pavement, causing even more problems for you over time.
Exposure to the Sun
The sun’s UV rays damage asphalt by causing oxidation, which creates cracks in the asphalt. These cracks allow water to seep into the asphalt, causing it to break down faster. Furthermore, these cracks also create a breeding ground for pesky weeds and other vegetation that can cause additional problems.
The best way to prevent this issue is by applying a sealant every one to three years, or as recommended by your asphalt paving contractor in Winter Garden, Florida.
Chemical Exposure
Exposure to harsh chemicals, like Hydrochloric Acid (also known as Hydrogen Chloride), can erode the surface of the asphalt, causing it to break down. Hydrochloric acid is often used as a cleaning agent or degreaser for industrial machinery. If this type of chemical gets spilled on asphalt, it can cause severe damage over time.
To prevent this, your asphalt paving contractor in Winter Garden, Florida will advise you to avoid storing hazardous materials near your asphalt surface. You should also avoid using such cleaners on any pavement surfaces. If a spill does happen, immediately clean up the area with soap and water, followed by hosing off the surface with clear water before it sets in.
Final Thoughts
Asphalt deterioration in Florida has become more and more common over the last decade due to the higher heat index in this state year-round. This can lead to serious issues such as potholes, cracks, and asphalt breaks, which can risk your safety and require costly repairs. To prevent these issues, you should be aware of the leading causes of asphalt deterioration and how to prevent them from affecting your property.
Looking for the Top-Rated Asphalt Paving Contractor in Winter Garden, Florida?
Are you concerned about the health of your asphalt surface? Hoping to have it maintained by the experts? If so, and if you’re looking to partner with the top-rated asphalt paving contractor in Winter Garden, Florida, look no further than the team at All Asphalt Services Inc. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.