There’s a reason why asphalt is in such wide use across the country: it’s dependable, durable, and cost-effective. Toss in its low maintenance requirements, and you have an American classic. Asphalt has kept us going for over 150 years, and though it has a great reputation, we all know it isn’t invincible.
At Standard Paving & Concrete, we’re Maryland, Delaware, and Northern Virginia’s paving experts. In the following blog, we’ll give you the inside info on the top causes of broken asphalt, along with what you’ll need for a proper paving repair job.
6 Signs of Broken Asphalt: Causes and Fixes
If you’re wondering how to repair asphalt, we have the answers. We’ll look at some signs of broken asphalt, along with what causes these issues.
1. Raveling
Raveling is when pavement breaks down and becomes full of loose rocks. Asphalt pavement erodes over time, and this erosion leaves uneven islands in its wake. Raveling results in tripping hazards and standing water.
Solution to Raveling
In this case, your paving repair solution depends on the scale of raveling. If there is only a small patch of raveling, you can discard loose pieces and apply new asphalt to damaged areas. Large amounts of raveling will need a larger operation, like asphalt milling, where you remove the damaged pavement and place a new layer over the old one with recycled asphalt.
2. Potholes
We all know and love potholes, don’t we? Well, sometimes familiarity breeds contempt. These depressions start as small cracks but grow larger if untreated. High amounts of traffic and precipitation can turn a tiny pothole into a tire destroyer in record time.
Solution to Potholes
Potholes can be addressed in several ways. They are typically cleaned out and patched up, but for particularly bad potholes, the solution might be full asphalt removal and repaving. There are several different patching methods, including throw-and-roll (also known as throw-and-go), spray patching, mill patching, and dig-out patching. A method will be chosen based on the time of year, pothole size, pothole location, and other factors.
3. Cracking
Cracked pavement often leads to larger issues when unaddressed. This is why it’s important to fix asphalt cracks early. Not all cracks are alike, so let’s look at the four main categories you’ll encounter.
Alligator Cracking
Alligator cracking, also known as fatigue cracking, is one of the most common forms of asphalt deterioration. It’s named as such because the cracking pattern looks like an alligator’s scales. Constant, heavy traffic over a long period will produce alligator cracks. If the base soil below the asphalt weakens, or if the asphalt is thin and overloaded, these cracks will appear in large numbers.
You have two main asphalt repair options for alligator cracking:
- Use sealcoating or crack filler to keep water out and maintain the pavement’s short-term integrity.
- Remove the entire section of broken asphalt and replace it.
Longitudinal Cracking
Longitudinal cracks appear lengthwise along a road or driveway, usually as a result of temperature changes. Asphalt can shrink in cold weather and expand in hot weather, making these cracks especially prevalent along the East Coast.
Small longitudinal cracks can be sealed, but larger cracks will likely require full asphalt removal and replacement.
Edge Cracking
As the name suggests, edge cracks form along the sides of a paved road or driveway. This form of cracked pavement typically occurs because of a weak foundation or lack of support along the sides of the pavement. Temperature fluctuations and excess water can sometimes accelerate the growth of edge cracks.
Minor edge cracks can be sealed, but major cracks may require you to replace the pavement’s foundation. But the exact solution depends on what the cause of your edge cracks is. For example, if water damage is the issue, apply a layer of sealcoating, ensure better drainage by the roadside, and patch or replace as needed.
Block Cracking
Block cracking is a result of poor installation practices. This form of cracked pavement covers a large area of your road or driveway, forming square and rectangular shapes. If asphalt is blended with a low-quality binding agent, or the binding agent rapidly deteriorates, it will struggle to expand and contract once laid. This struggle shows itself in the form of block cracks.
Small block cracks can be fixed with sealant. Sealants will prevent water from entering the cracks and expanding them. Once you’ve applied this sealant, you will likely want to place a new sealcoat over the surface.
Large block cracks need professional attention. The cracked layer will need to be removed and replaced, or it will need a new layer placed over it.
4. Asphalt Upheaval
When soil expands underneath asphalt, it causes severe cracks, uneven segments, and asphalt upheaval. Why might soil expand? This usually happens because of increased moisture content or freezing weather.
Solution to Asphalt Upheaval
Since asphalt upheaval is a problem with the ground below, sealant isn’t going to be enough here. You will likely have to remove the affected area and place an asphalt patch in its place. Severe damage may require repaving.
5. Dips & Depressions
If asphalt isn’t properly compacted during the paving process, dips and depressions will be here to stay. These are low points on your pavement that often collect rainwater and other debris. If water remains in a depression long enough, it can damage the integrity of your pavement and lead to further problems.
Solution to Dips & Depressions
Surface asphalt patches are temporary solutions to dips and depressions, but they won’t last long since the problem is below the surface. To properly address a depression, you’ll need to remove the existing pavement, replace the compacted soil, and then put a deep asphalt patch on top of the new soil.
6. Rutting
Rutting is similar to a depression, also resulting from poor compaction. If the subgrades below asphalt don’t mix well to form a uniform substance, asphalt will fail to contract and expand, cracking and dipping instead.
Solution to Rutting
Small instances of rutting can usually be fixed with a patch or sealant. Extensive and especially severe rutting will need to be addressed by removing the subgrade and performing a complete asphalt overlay.
Trust Standard Paving & Concrete with Your Paving Repair Needs in Maryland
Asphalt repair is no easy job, so let Standard Paving & Concrete do the heavy lifting. If you’ve experienced any of the issues in this blog, we’ll find the perfect solution and begin our work as soon as possible. With over 25+ years of experience, we’ve seen it all and fixed it all, so we can work with you to find an affordable, effective solution that lasts.
If you need a quick fix for your cracked pavement, we’ll be there. If the issue runs deeper, we’ll be there. No project is too small or extensive—we’re just happy to be of service.
Standard Paving & Concrete is Maryland’s paving and concrete provider, also servicing Delaware and Northern Virginia. We’d love to help with your asphalt repair job, so give us a call or fill out a quote form today.
