Asphalt pavement might look tough and resilient, but when Colorado snow and rain comes into the picture, things can quickly change. Water has a way of seeping into the smallest cracks, and once it’s in, the damage can begin. As the seasons progress, those cracks can widen and deepen, making your pavement rough and uneven. Understanding how weather elements like snow and rain affect asphalt is key to keeping it in great shape year-round. Here’s what the Asphalt Doctors have to say about it.
Snow and cold temperatures can be particularly harsh on asphalt surfaces. It’s not just the moisture and cold themselves that pose a threat; it’s the freeze-thaw cycles that can cause serious damage. Here's how cold temperatures and snow affect asphalt:
You might wonder: what’s a little rain compared to a snowstorm? Don’t be fooled. The problem with rain isn’t just the water itself—it’s how it interacts with the surface and what's going on beneath. Here’s how rain can damage asphalt:
Preventing asphalt damage before it starts is key to keeping your pavement in great shape, especially when it comes to the effects of weather. There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure rain, snow, and everyday wear don’t turn your pavement into a cracked, pothole-filled mess.
First up, sealcoating. Think of sealcoating like sunscreen for your asphalt. It forms a protective barrier on top that helps keep water, UV rays, and chemicals from reaching beneath the surface. By applying a fresh coat every few years, you’re sealing out the moisture that would otherwise seep in and start breaking down the foundation of your pavement. It’s one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your asphalt.
Then there’s crack sealing, which is just as important. Over time, small cracks are bound to form, whether from regular traffic or the natural settling of the ground beneath the asphalt. The trick is not to let them grow into bigger problems. Crack sealing involves filling those little gaps with a durable material that prevents water from sneaking in and making things worse. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to stop rain from wreaking havoc under the surface.
Finally, you can’t forget about drainage. Proper drainage is the unsung hero of asphalt maintenance. If water is pooling or not draining away from your pavement properly, it’s going to cause problems. Installing or fixing drainage systems, like gutters or French drains, can help keep water off the surface and away from the base of the asphalt. This reduces the risk of erosion and the formation of dips or soft spots that lead to more damage down the road.
At Asphalt Doctors, we know asphalt inside and out—literally. Whether your pavement has been hit hard by snow, rain, or just the wear and tear of everyday traffic, we’ve got the tools and expertise to keep it looking its best. From small cracks to major resurfacing, our team can handle it all, making sure your asphalt is strong, smooth, and ready to take on whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality. We don’t just patch things up and hope for the best. We take the time to assess the condition of your pavement, find the root cause of the issue, and provide long-term solutions that last. Whether it’s sealcoating to protect against future damage, crack sealing to keep water out, or installing proper drainage systems, we do it all with precision and care.
Ready to give your asphalt the care it deserves? Reach out to Asphalt Doctors today, and let’s create a plan to keep your pavement smooth and strong for years to come. Your pavement will thank you—and so will your wallet.
Asphalt surfaces face a constant battle against the elements and everyday wear and tear. From the scorching sun to freezing winters, these harsh conditions can take a serious toll, leading to unsightly damage and costly repairs if left unchecked. Knowing the signs of asphalt damage and how to address them can help you stay on top of necessary maintenance and ensure a smooth, safe, surface season after season.
Whether it's cracks, potholes, or surface deterioration, understanding the common types of asphalt damage can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. At Asphalt Doctors, we have over 30 years of experience conducting asphalt repair services all across Denver and the Front Range—here’s some insight into the common types of asphalt damage that we see and our recommended repair methods.
Though durable, asphalt surfaces are not immune to various forms of damage that can occur over time.
One of the most frequent issues is cracking, which can manifest in several ways, including alligator cracking, linear cracking, or edge cracking. These cracks are often caused by the repeated expansion and contraction of the asphalt from temperature changes or heavy traffic loads. Left unaddressed, they can expand and lead to more significant and costly problems.
Another common issue is potholes, which form when water seeps into cracks, erodes the underlying soil, and creates a void. As vehicles pass over these weakened areas, the surface collapses, resulting in a hole. Potholes are not only unsightly but also pose a safety risk for vehicles and pedestrians.
Surface deterioration is another type of damage that occurs when the asphalt binder begins to break down, often due to exposure to UV rays and oxidation. This can lead to raveling, where the top layer of the asphalt loosens and crumbles, or to a more severe loss of the surface layer, leaving the pavement rough and uneven.
Lastly, rutting can occur in areas where there is consistent traffic, causing depressions in the asphalt that follow the wheel paths of vehicles. This damage can make the surface uneven, reduce traction, and accelerate other forms of deterioration.
Understanding these common types of asphalt damage is the first step in maintaining your pavement's integrity, but many property owners or managers make the mistake of delaying necessary maintenance or repairs.
Damaged asphalt poses significant risks that extend beyond mere cosmetic concerns, such as:
Asphalt damage can be addressed with a variety of repair methods, each tailored to the specific type of damage and the extent of deterioration. Below are the most effective repair techniques for common asphalt issues, including how they work and why they are necessary.
Surface skin patching is ideal for addressing minor surface damage, such as small cracks and surface deterioration. This method involves applying a thin layer of asphalt over the existing surface to restore its smoothness and appearance. The process begins with cleaning the damaged area to remove any loose debris. Next, a tack coat is applied to ensure the new asphalt adheres properly. Finally, a fresh layer of asphalt is spread over the area and compacted.
Surface skin patching is a quick and cost-effective solution for early-stage damage. It’s particularly useful for addressing raveling or surface-level cracking before these issues escalate into more severe problems, such as potholes. However, it's important to note that this method is best suited for minor damage; more extensive repairs may require a different approach.
Infrared patching is a highly effective method for repairing potholes, minor cracks, and surface irregularities. This technique uses infrared technology to heat the damaged asphalt to a workable temperature, making it easier to blend new asphalt into the existing pavement seamlessly. The process begins by heating the affected area with an infrared heater, which softens the asphalt. The softened material is then raked and leveled, and new asphalt is added as needed. The area is then compacted to ensure a smooth finish.
Infrared patching is particularly advantageous because it creates a thermal bond between the old and new asphalt, resulting in a durable, long-lasting repair. It’s a versatile solution that can be used in various weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for year-round repairs. Furthermore, this method is relatively quick, with surfaces being ready for traffic immediately after the process is completed.
For more severe damage, such as deep potholes, extensive cracking, or structural failures, full depth patching is the most appropriate method. This technique involves removing the damaged asphalt and the underlying base material to reach the root of the problem. Once the damaged material is removed, the area is filled with new base material and compacted. A new layer of asphalt is then applied on top and compacted to match the surrounding pavement.
Full depth patching addresses the underlying causes of asphalt failure, making it a more permanent solution than surface-level repairs. It’s essential for maintaining the structural integrity of heavily trafficked areas where surface repairs alone would not be sufficient.
Sealcoating is a preventative maintenance technique that protects asphalt from the elements and extends its lifespan. It involves applying a protective layer of sealant over the entire asphalt surface. This sealant shields the pavement from UV rays, water, and chemicals, which can cause the asphalt to crack, fade, and deteriorate.
Sealcoating is effective in preventing surface oxidation and slowing down the progression of minor cracks. It also enhances the appearance of the asphalt by restoring its deep black color. While sealcoating doesn’t repair existing damage, it’s an essential step in maintaining the longevity of asphalt surfaces and preventing the need for more extensive repairs in the future.
Crack sealing is a targeted repair method used to address individual cracks in the asphalt before they expand and lead to more significant damage. This process involves cleaning the crack to remove debris and moisture, then filling it with a hot rubberized sealant. The sealant is designed to expand and contract with the asphalt, creating a flexible, watertight seal that prevents water from seeping into the pavement and causing further deterioration.
Crack sealing is essential for preserving the integrity of asphalt surfaces, particularly in areas that experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles. By sealing cracks early, you can prevent them from turning into larger issues, such as potholes or alligator cracking.
Each of these repair methods plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and longevity of your asphalt surfaces. From minor patching to full-depth repairs, choosing the right approach depends on the type and extent of damage your pavement has sustained.
Proper maintenance and timely repairs not only enhance the appearance and safety of your asphalt but also save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more extensive repairs.
For the highest quality asphalt repair services, look no further than the professionals at Asphalt Doctors. With over 30 years of experience, we’re here to ensure your asphalt is maintained to the best possible standard. Contact us today to schedule your asphalt repair or to learn more about why our clients love working with us!
