5 Causes of Asphalt Erosion

Asphalt is a durable material that is used for the construction of driveways, walkways, and paths all over the world. While asphalt can last for a long time, it could experience erosion over the years. When this happens, it may need to be repaired or replaced. There are five common causes of asphalt erosion that you should be aware of and look out for.

Rainwater Running Off

One of the most common causes of deterioration of your asphalt and blacktop deterioration is rainwater running off. Water continues to be a hazard that can slowly damage many types of structures, and asphalt is not immune to this. If your area gets a lot of rain, water will consistently run off your asphalt. If it is not properly sealed, the water will get into the asphalt and cause it to slowly deteriorate.

Poor Slope or Drainage

Another cause of deterioration of your asphalt is if you have a poor slope or drainage. While water running off of the asphalt is bad, having it pool on your driveway can be even worse. If there is not an appropriate slope or drainage, water will pool in a couple of spots. This can then cause ponding that will get worse with time. Eventually, this could even lead to large holes in the asphalt.

Heavy Traffic and Equipment

If you have asphalt installed as a road, driveway, or path, it is essential to pay attention to weight limits. Your contractor should be able to tell you how heavy of equipment you can place on the asphalt. If equipment that is too heavy is on the asphalt, it can cause it to start to break down. Even if you do not have heavy equipment, regular use will slowly cause deterioration.

Freezing Water

While water can cause damage to your asphalt, it can be made even worse if the water freezes in place. When the water freezes in place, it will be frozen in the small cracks in your asphalt. This water can expand and contract when it freezes and warms back up. This can cause damage to the asphalt. Due to this, proper drainage is critical.

Tree Roots

While trees can be beautiful to look at and provide a lot of shade, they can also cause damage. If trees are on your property, the roots will continue to grow over the years. Eventually, they could grow underneath your asphalt and even start to approach the surface. When this occurs, it can cause massive cracks in the asphalt.

If you have an asphalt driveway or path in your home, some wear and tear and erosion are inevitable. You may need professional residential asphalt repair if your asphalt driveway or other surface is beginning to wear away. When you receive this service, it can help restore your asphalt to ensure it is just as reliable and sturdy as it was when you first installed it.  

Categorised in: Asphalt Repair