You work hard to keep your commercial property in pristine condition. While asphalt pavement
is durable, long-lasting, and the preferred paving surface for many commercial businesses,
asphalt pavement can deteriorate over time, resulting in a professional inspection and, in some
cases, asphalt repair.
All asphalt, from large-scale commercial parking lots to driveways, requires essential
maintenance and repair to keep the surface safe, usable, and appealing. Fortunately, there are
several warning signs you can look for to help catch minor issues before they become
significant and costly problems.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of keeping up with asphalt maintenance and provide you with an easy-to-follow list of five indicators that your asphalt surface may need professional maintenance.
Continue reading below to learn more about what to look for to determine if your asphalt
surface needs maintenance and discover why McConnell & Associates is the Midwest’s leader in premium pavement, concrete, and asphalt repair services.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Asphalt Surface
As previously mentioned, asphalt is widely regarded as one of the best paving materials in
terms of its appearance, durability, environmental safety, and cost. However, even though
asphalt is well-known for its superior quality, commercial businesses won’t be able to reap all of its benefits unless it is maintained.
Asphalt surface maintenance entails far more than aesthetics. Well-kept pavement
communicates to your clients and customers that you care about their well-being, which can
significantly benefit your business in the long run.
On the other hand, poorly maintained pavement not only gives an unappealing appearance but
also poses a safety risk to drivers and pedestrians. If a pedestrian trips and falls or a car is
damaged due to faulty asphalt pavement, you may face costly lawsuits for injuries and
damages.
The preservation and protection of the surface are crucial when it comes to regular and
ongoing asphalt maintenance. The longer you wait, the worse the deterioration will become
and the more expensive it will be to repair. Proper pavement preservation ensures the safety
and functionality of the concrete or asphalt surface.
5 Signs You Need Asphalt Maintenance
Asphalt pavement will inevitably deteriorate over time. However, addressing and repairing
issues as they arise can help to keep repairs to a minimum. The sooner you notice problems
with your asphalt, the easier and less expensive it will be to repair them.
So, how can you tell when your asphalt surface is showing signs of needing professional repair?
Here are five signs that your commercial parking lot or driveway may need professional
maintenance:
Standing Water
One of the most severe threats to asphalt pavement is lingering moisture, which can seep
between layers and affect the binding agents. When water cannot drain properly, it can collect
in low spots of your parking lot or driveway, causing additional damage to your asphalt surface.
When water sits or pools on your asphalt, it weakens or undermines the surface and can lead to
pothole formation.
Deep cracks in asphalt that allow water to seep beneath the surface and damage the foundation can also cause drainage problems. If you notice pools of water on your asphalt surface, you should consider hiring a professional asphalt pavement service company to replace the asphalt.
Potholes
Potholes all have one thing in common: they are a significant source of frustration for business
owners. When a pothole forms, it expands, allowing more water and ice to break and further
grow the paving surface. Furthermore, if left unattended for an extended period of time, they
can cause damage to vehicles or cause pedestrians to trip and fall.
Various factors can cause potholes, but they typically form on deteriorated asphalt that has lost
its resilience and can no longer withstand pressure from cars or other heavy loads. Potholes can be filled or patched, but depending on the cause, more complete measures to address the root cause of the pothole formation may be needed.
Large Cracks
A crack in asphalt isn’t the only sign of fatigue and an indication that the asphalt has been
significantly overworked, but crack cracks are only the beginning of asphalt damage. When
cracks open, they allow water and dirt to enter, causing the crack to deepen and grow.
While some cracking is expected during the lifespan of asphalt, severe cracking can indicate a
deeper problem. All cracks should promptly be repaired with a crack filler or seal coating
treatment.
However, the only long-term solution to excessive asphalt cracks is to hire a reputable asphalt contractor to dig down and address the underlying issues. Asphalt pavement replacement may be required if the foundation of your driveway or parking lot has been severely damaged.
Discoloration and Fading
The color of asphalt pavement is supposed to be a deep black. However, UV rays from the sun
can cause the color of your surface to fade over time. While faded asphalt pavement may not
appear to be a major deal, it may indicate more extensive problems.
UV rays can weaken your asphalt pavement over time, making it more prone to potholes and
cracks. If your asphalt surface has turned gray and shows other signs of asphalt distress, you
should consult with an asphalt contractor to determine whether replacement is required.
Crumbling Edges
If the edges of your parking lot are not protected by curbs or concrete gutters, you may notice
signs of crumbling. When left unrepaired, the edges can break apart, causing hazardous debris
for drivers and pedestrians, requiring professional asphalt repair.
To restore crumbling edges, an asphalt repair contractor will need to remove the chipped edges
and replace them. To avoid future chipping, curbs or concrete gutters may also need to be
installed along the surface edges.
Count On the Asphalt Repair Experts at McConnell & Associates
Regular maintenance is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of asphalt surfaces and preventing
costly repairs. Commercial business owners can save money in the long run and ensure safe
surfaces for their clients and customers by keeping an eye out for common signs of wear and
tear and taking action promptly.
Don’t let neglect lead to costly asphalt repair. If your asphalt surfaces are showing signs of
needing maintenance, repair, or replacement, contact the asphalt repair experts at McConnell
& Associates today.
For over 50 years, McConnell & Associates has been Kansas City’s number one choice for
premium pavement, concrete, and asphalt pavement services. Our experts are experienced in
maintaining and repairing all types of asphalt pavements using high-quality materials, equipment, and advanced techniques to restore your surface to its original condition.
Regardless of the repair, you can count on us to deliver quality results. Don’t wait for bigger problems to arise. Act now and enjoy well-maintained asphalt surfaces for years to come. If you notice any signs that your asphalt needs to be repaired or have questions about how to ensure the longevity of your asphalt pavement, contact McConnell & Associates today to speak with one of our specialists about how we can help.
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