Common Asphalt Problems Explained

Are you looking for ways to manage deterioration, reduce long-term repair costs, and lengthen your pavement’s lifespan? Identify and address your pavement maintenance needs with ease with these tips on common asphalt problems by the Bay Area’s best paving contractor, American Asphalt.

Asphalt Cracking

Pavement cracking, including alligator, longitudinal, transverse, and edge cracks, can result from many causes, such as poor sublayer preparation, inadequate maintenance, excessive load stress, and temperature fluctuations. Fading and thin, web-like surface cracks are often the first signs of coming problems. Addressing cracking at the first sign of damage with sealer and crack filling prevents the need for deeper, more costly repairs later.

Potholes

Large holes in your asphalt typically result from water infiltrating cracks, causing the subbase layers to deteriorate and collapse. Warning signs of imminent potholes include small surface cracks, slight depressions or soft spots, and puddling. American Asphalt can stop pothole progression in its tracks, offering fast, full-depth asphalt repairs and drainage enhancements to prevent future issues. Regular sealcoating application every 2-3 years also provides pothole protection.

Pavement Drainage Issues

Pooling water caused by inadequate drainage capacity, clogged drains, and improper sloping accelerates surface aging. Left unaddressed, moisture will infiltrate pavement sublayers and cause structural damage. Early signs of drainage problems include puddling, surface staining or dark patches, sunken areas with cracks, and washout around pavement edges or gutters. Our experienced paving contractors offer a range of solutions to address these issues, including cleaning services, drainage additions, curbing for enhanced water flow, and regrading to address sloping.

Asphalt Depressions and Settling

Low spots may result from puddling due to inadequate drainage, improper sloping, water infiltration through cracks and potholes, poor compaction during installation, or heavy traffic. Designing asphalt for heavy vehicle loads, ensuring proper site grading and compacting prior to asphalt installation, and incorporating adequate drainage are the best ways to prevent settling issues.

Pavement Heaving and Swelling

Ground movement due to poor subgrade drainage, temperature changes, and seismic events can cause the soil to push the asphalt up, creating an uneven surface. Early signs of this issue include sudden bumps, wavy or lifted areas after heavy rains, and surface darkening, indicating trapped moisture. American Asphalt can help you avoid these issues by designing your asphalt to manage the region’s climate and geological needs, including replacing problematic soil with stable, well-draining soil and utilizing the latest in asphalt formulations and technology.

Asphalt Fading and Oxidation

UV, oxygen exposure, and weather extremes cause asphalt to become dry, brittle, and grey over time, leading to deepening cracks without proper attention. You can easily prevent fading and oxidation with regular sealcoating applications, which protect against fading, oxidation, moisture, and other causes of wear

Raveling and Stripping

When gravel and stone separate from asphalt, its surface weakens, leading to potholes and structural failure over time. Raveling, the loss of aggregate in the top layer, is an early sign of this issue. Damp spots that persist long after the rain and soft, spongy areas are other precursors. These issues may be caused by insufficient binder content in asphalt or by moisture infiltration from poor drainage and standing water, which weakens the bonding. High-quality asphalt mixtures, proper compaction, and adequate drainage, along with routine sealcoating, prevent stripping and raveling.

Protect Your Paving Investment with Proactive Asphalt Maintenance

Reduce maintenance costs and protect your investment with this explanation of common asphalt problems and regular pavement evaluations from American Asphalt. Contact us at 510-723-0280 to schedule asphalt inspection and maintenance services today.