An asphalt pavement goes a long way in beautifying residential and commercial properties and also increasing their value. Asphalt surfaces can usually last up to 20 – 25 years, but may show signs of wear and tear due to insufficient maintenance, heavy traffic, and weather conditions. Based on the extent of the damage, you need to determine whether to repair or replace your asphalt surface.
Action Asphalt offers asphalt installation services along with maintenance, repairs, and replacement in Sacramento.
In this blog post, we will look at some of the factors that indicate your asphalt is beyond repair or resurfacing and needs to be replaced.
Age of the Asphalt
One of the first indicators that replacement is required is the age of the asphalt. As mentioned previously, the average life span of asphalt is up to 20 – 25 years, so if your asphalt is 20 years old and the deterioration is increasing, a wise option would be to opt for replacement as basic repairs will likely not last very long.
Alligator Cracks
As the name suggests, alligator cracks are patterns that appear on asphalt that resemble the scales on an alligator’s back. These are a common type of distress in asphalt pavement that is often beyond repair. These can be caused due to water penetration, extreme weather conditions, no sealcoating, or poor construction. Extensive cracking can be hazardous for vehicles as well as pedestrians on the pavement, hence it becomes essential to fix this structural damage and replace the asphalt.
Deep Potholes
Potholes in asphalt are caused by water seeping into the ground under the pavement due to cracks on the surface. This water then expands and contracts due to changes in temperature, thus further damaging the pavement and causing holes. Large potholes are very difficult to repair and can also cause damage to vehicles or injuries to pedestrians, thus they leave property owners no other choice but to replace the asphalt.
Discoloration of the Asphalt
The color of your asphalt pavement is a significant indicator of its condition. Asphalt in good condition should appear black and shiny; if your asphalt is discolored or grey in color, it means that UV rays from the sun have caused aging and damage. Under these circumstances, a repair can be a viable option only under the following circumstances if:
- The asphalt is less than 20 years
- Cracks are small
- The foundation of the surface is strong
- Damage is not widespread
- Sealcoating can help to improve the damage
If you feel your asphalt pavement in Sacramento is degrading significantly, contact Action Asphalt. Our team of experts will guide you in order to determine whether repair or replacement is the right choice for you. Get a free quote today!
