Asphalt is built to endure the elements, but even the most durable surfaces need care to stay in top condition. Over time, exposure to weather, traffic, and seasonal changes can take a toll on your asphalt. Spotting early warning signs allows you to address issues before they become costly repairs. Here’s what to look for and how to act to protect your investment.
1. Cracks in the Surface
What to Look For: Hairline cracks, spiderweb-like cracks (alligator cracking), or larger, more defined cracks along the surface of your asphalt.
What It Means: Cracks are among the most common signs that your asphalt needs attention. Small cracks may seem insignificant, but they allow water to seep in. Water freezes and expands when temperatures drop, making the cracks wider. Over time, small cracks can lead to larger fissures or even potholes.
How to Act: Address cracks as soon as you spot them. Crack sealing is a cost-effective way to stop water infiltration and prevent larger issues. The sooner you seal them, the less damage your asphalt will endure.
2. Potholes Forming
What to Look For: Round, bowl-shaped depressions or gaps in your asphalt that can range from shallow to several inches deep.
What It Means: Potholes are a sure sign that your asphalt has experienced water infiltration and the freeze-thaw cycle has taken its toll. Heavy vehicle traffic can also accelerate the breakdown of weak areas. Left untreated, potholes grow larger and can compromise your asphalt’s foundation.
How to Act: Repair potholes as soon as possible to prevent further degradation of the surrounding surface. Temporary cold patching is possible in winter, but a more permanent hot asphalt repair should be scheduled for warmer months.
3. Pooling Water
What to Look For: Puddles of standing water on the surface of your parking lot or driveway, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What It Means: Water should drain off your asphalt, not sit on top of it. Pooling water indicates low spots or areas with poor drainage, often caused by underlying structural issues or surface depressions.
How to Act: If water is pooling in the same spot repeatedly, you may need to regrade the area to improve drainage. Small dips can be leveled with overlay repairs, but larger issues may require more extensive work to address the subbase.
4. Fading or Discoloration
What to Look For: Asphalt that has turned gray, lightened in color, or looks dry and brittle.
What It Means: Fresh asphalt is deep black in color, but UV rays, oxygen, and weather exposure cause it to fade over time. When asphalt becomes discolored, it’s a sign that oxidation is breaking down the binder that holds it together, making it brittle and more prone to cracking.
How to Act: Regular sealcoating restores the protective layer on your asphalt and brings back its rich, black color. Sealcoating every 2-3 years can prevent oxidation and keep your asphalt flexible and durable.
5. Warping or Buckling
What to Look For: Uneven surfaces, waves, ripples, or areas that appear to “buckle” under the weight of vehicles.
What It Means: Warping or buckling is often caused by a weak or compromised subbase. Heavy vehicles, improper compaction during installation, or subgrade shifts (like frost heave) can lead to this issue. If the base is failing, the surface will follow.
How to Act: Unfortunately, this is not a surface-level issue. Warping or buckling requires a more in-depth repair, often involving removal and replacement of the affected section of asphalt. If caught early, you may be able to address a small section rather than redoing the entire lot.
6. Surface Raveling (Loose Gravel or Asphalt Particles)
What to Look For: Loose gravel, rough or grainy surfaces, or areas where the top layer of asphalt appears to be wearing away.
What It Means: Raveling occurs when the asphalt binder that holds the aggregate together starts to break down, often due to oxidation, age, or heavy vehicle use. As the binder weakens, small stones and gravel loosen from the surface.
How to Act: Surface raveling can be addressed with a sealcoat if caught early. For more extensive raveling, resurfacing may be required to restore the integrity of the asphalt. Sealcoating at regular intervals can prevent this issue from occurring in the first place.
7. Edge Deterioration
What to Look For: Crumbling or chipping at the edges of the asphalt, especially along driveways or parking lot perimeters.
What It Means: Edge deterioration happens when the asphalt’s structural support is weakened, often due to a lack of edge protection or insufficient compaction along the perimeter. Water infiltration and erosion can make matters worse.
How to Act: If edges are crumbling, it’s a sign that repairs are needed. Edge reinforcement or adding curbing may be necessary to prevent further erosion. Repairing the edges promptly can stop the problem from spreading inward.
Take Action Before Small Problems Grow Bigger
Your asphalt works hard all year long, and small signs of damage can quickly escalate into larger, more costly issues. By knowing what to look for, you can stay ahead of potential problems. BlakRoc specializes in proactive asphalt maintenance so you can protect your investment and avoid costly repairs later. If you’re seeing signs that your asphalt needs attention, don’t wait — contact BlakRoc today to schedule an inspection and keep your pavement in peak condition.
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