One of the main factors contributing to the deterioration of asphalt pavement is water. There is a chance of damage every time your asphalt pavement gets wet, whether from rainwater, snow, or other causes caused by man. From the cracks, water can seep into the asphalt and force the structural components apart, which can result in damage, potholes, and cracks. The situation and the damage can only worsen the longer water is allowed to collect on the surface of your asphalt or to seep into the pavement itself.
Asphalt Water Damage You Need to Worry About
Cracks
Pavement deteriorates due to asphalt oxidation, becoming brittle. Your pavement is more likely to crack when faced with a vehicle that puts too much pressure on it, especially if it is brittle.
In addition, water can enter the asphalt if it has cracks, and when your pavement has cracks, it becomes much more susceptible to damage. Your pavement’s capacity to support traffic load is affected if water gets to the base because it softens compaction. This may lead to further cracks, thereby continuing the cycle.
Potholes
Unfortunately, during the thaw and freeze cycles of the winter season, potholes are quite a frequent occurrence, especially on asphalt.
Typically, a pothole starts as a crack in the pavement that lets water penetrate into the asphalt’s deeper layers, where the water expands as it freezes. This causes the pavement to compress after thawing, creating an empty area beneath the topmost layers. The asphalt breaks down when cars drive over the weak area, resulting in potholes.
Stripping
When your asphalt is faced with too much water, the pavement may start to ‘strip.’
“Stripping” is when the hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures show the separation of the asphalt binder film from aggregate surfaces, mainly as a result of the impact of water and/or moisture vapor, which causes damage to your pavement.
Rutting
After it rains, you might notice that your asphalt is “rutting.” Rutting is the term used to refer to the gradual accumulation of permanent deformation or aggregation in an asphalt pavement surface. These “ruts” become much more evident after rain since they become filled with rainwater.
What Can You Do?
- Crack Filling – Asphalt oxidation results in a pavement that is fragile. Pavements that are brittle are more likely to crack when a vehicle puts too much pressure on the pavement Therefore, it’s critical that you immediately seal any existing cracks to stop further damage.
- Sealcoating – This is one of the most widely used strategies for waterproofing asphalt. The asphalt surfaces are shielded by this liquid mixture from UV rays, snow, and fluids from passing vehicles.
- Pothole Repair – When a crack is formed and is not sealed immediately, it can lead to potholes. So, it’s best to seal the cracks immediately. However, if you are past that point, it’s best that you perform a pothole repair.
Bottomline
The best course of action is to fix any issues with your current asphalt before starting any repair work. If the repairs are not done in a timely manner, water may still seep through the surface and ruin your entire pavement.