Asphalt is a smooth, durable, and flexible paving material, which is why it is one of the most commonly used paving materials. It is designed to handle any load, whether it is a heavy semi truck or a smaller passenger car (with proper base design, as asphalt is only as good as what you put it on). While it is designed to handle a lot of traffic, asphalt still needs regular maintenance to ensure it lasts as long as possible. This guide will explain the leading causes of asphalt deterioration and how you can avoid costly repairs in the long term.
What types of asphalt deterioration are there?
Cracking
The most common type of pavement damage is cracking. There are many ways that asphalt can crack. If the cracks are repaired in a timely manner, you can potentially avoid more substantial and costly damage to your asphalt. The main types of cracks are called:
- Alligator cracks – also known as fatigue cracks or failed pavement
- Edge checks – the cracks that appear along the edges of asphalt
- Linear cracks
- Transverse cracks
- Block cracks
Potholes
Potholes are one of the most notorious types of asphalt deterioration out there. A pothole happens when the surface under the asphalt is compromised. This causes a depression in the asphalt, which is the pothole.
If the pothole is massive, spanning multiple feet wide, it is known as a blowout.
Asphalt Disintegration
The last main type of asphalt deterioration is disintegration. The asphalt literally begins to disintegrate and can create potholes and raveling (which is usually caused by water or weather and lack of maintenance). Raveling is when the top layer of asphalt pavement breaks down and disintegrates. Gas and oil spills can also cause other damages.
Asphalt Distortion
Distortion is caused by the deterioration of the base or existing asphalt, combined with heavy loads. The asphalt will begin to warp and distort, leading to:
- Ruts and channels – depressions in the asphalt that run in the same direction as the traffic.
- Grade depressions – areas of pavement that have settled lower than the surrounding asphalt.
- Corrugations – a distortion that looks like ripples on the surface of the asphalt.
- Upheaval – a section of pavement that has been raised and broken because the subsurface is swelling. It looks like a bump in the road with a crack in it.
- Utility cut depressions – the utility company cuts into the asphalt to access lines underground, but the pavement repair is not properly installed, allowing water to get in. This can also be caused because the utility line was not properly backfilled.
Sinkholes
A sinkhole is a serious problem and one of the worst types of asphalt deterioration. They are the result of the subsurface completely eroding, usually because of sewer leaks or improper drainage.
Why does asphalt deteriorate?
Between the heavy vehicles that drive on the asphalt and the rain, sun, snow, and chemicals that the pavement comes into contact with regularly, it is bound to break down and deteriorate over time. The binder that is used in asphalt will slowly start to lose its resistance to water, so the water can begin to break down the asphalt.
What are the main causes of asphalt deterioration?
When asphalt receives regular maintenance, it can last for decades, but there are many factors that can cause asphalt to deteriorate. Let’s take a look at the factors that can cause pavement deterioration.
Water can cause asphalt to deteriorate.
Over time, water can penetrate the asphalt surface, causing its base to crack, collapse, and break down. When water gets into cracks in the asphalt, it causes the base to break apart and results in asphalt failure, such as big potholes.
However, part of regular asphalt maintenance includes applying sealcoating, which will help keep water from penetrating the asphalt and breaking it down. Sealcoating also keeps the asphalt flexible and more resilient to Mother Nature.
Exposure to chemicals is a cause of asphalt deterioration.
Chemicals like gas and oil can leak on pavement, and eventually, it can soften up the pavement enough to cause it to start to break down. You’ve probably seen these in front of auto parts stores.
Sun can break down asphalt.
The oxidation from sunlight and UV rays can cause asphalt to dry out the binding agent that keeps the asphalt together. Over time, this can make the binder begin to shrink, which leads to cracks in the asphalt. This can lead to worse damage since water can now penetrate the surface more easily.
Can you avoid asphalt deterioration?
Unfortunately, because of the use of asphalt, damage and deterioration is unavoidable. Without regular maintenance, you can see the asphalt’s deterioration within three to five years. It will start to turn gray and grow brittle, which leads to cracking. While it can’t be avoided, it can be slowed down significantly with proper maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Asphalt is not a one-and-done type of material. Without regular maintenance, the types of deterioration outlined here can cause substantial damage to your pavement. Do you see any signs of asphalt deterioration in your asphalt? Contact DRYCO today!