Asphalt driveways are known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, but like any material, they can develop problems over time. Understanding the common issues that affect asphalt driveways can help you catch problems early and maintain your investment. Below are some of the most frequent issues with asphalt driveways and solutions for fixing them.
1. Rutting
Ruts are depressions that form in the asphalt where vehicle tires frequently pass. They occur for several reasons, including insufficient pavement thickness, weak asphalt mixtures, poor compaction, excessive moisture, or an unstable stone or soil base.
Solution: Minor rutting can be repaired with an overlay or filling, while more severe rutting may require removal and replacement of the affected area.
2. Cracks
Cracks are one of the most common problems with asphalt driveways. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be caused by different factors, such as weather conditions, age, and poor installation.
- Alligator Cracking: Appears like an alligator's skin and is usually caused by structural failure, poor drainage, or weak pavement.
- Block Cracking: Large interconnected cracks typically caused by asphalt shrinkage or improper expansion of the binder.
- Transverse Cracking: Long, thin cracks that form perpendicular to the direction of the pavement, often due to poor construction or temperature fluctuations.
Solution: Depending on the severity, cracks can be repaired using crack sealing, depth patches, or full removal and overlays.
3. Upheaval
Upheaval occurs when swelling subgrade creates localized upward movement in the asphalt. This often happens due to moisture or frost heaving affecting the soil underneath the pavement.
Solution: Upheaval can be fixed with a full-depth patch to address the underlying cause and restore a smooth surface.
4. Raveling
Raveling refers to the loss of aggregate particles from the surface of the asphalt, leaving behind pockmarks. This issue is often caused by poorly timed asphalt placement during cold weather, which leads to surface voids and inadequate bonding.
Solution: Raveling can be corrected with a thin hot-mix overlay, chip seals, slurry seals, or micro surfacing to restore a smooth, durable surface.
5. Shoving
Shoving, also known as washboarding, is the formation of ripples or bumps in the asphalt. It is usually caused by excess asphalt, weak granular bases, or fine aggregates in the mix.
Solution: Like upheaval, shoving can be fixed with a full or partial depth patch to address the underlying cause and ensure the surface is even.
If you're experiencing any of these issues with your asphalt driveway, it's essential to address them promptly to prevent further damage. For reliable, high-quality asphalt maintenance products, including sealcoating and crack sealing equipment, Asphalt Sealcoating Supply Inc. has everything you need. Browse our inventory or call us at 304-916-6117 to find the right solutions for your driveway needs.