There’s nothing more annoying than damaged pavement. However, sometimes, it’s just inevitable. But don’t worry! There are a lot of telltale signs that will tell you that your pavement is in distress and may need a bit of fixing and repaving.
The Telltale Signs of a Damaged Pavement
These telltale signs will help you to identify minor issues before they can even develop into larger ones if they’re not addressed immediately. It’s also in your best interest to get them fixed as soon as possible too. Otherwise you might end up in a situation where you’re fixing a much bigger problem. So, what are these telltale signs you should look for?
Potholes
When the pavement base has collapsed, potholes are the result. This is because the surface has shifted due to erosion. However, potholes are often brought on by water that freezes beneath your pavement and exerts pressure upward, which results in pavement cracking. Every winter, potholes can deteriorate even more, so you should have them checked up in order to prevent more damage to your pavement.
Sinkage
Your pavement will start to sink if your base starts to deteriorate and wear down. This is usually caused by rainwater and melted snow, although there are other causes that can make your pavement sink.
This can be fixed by getting in touch with a professional to repair your drains and gutters.
Alligator Cracks
Have you ever seen an alligator’s scaly and rough skin? That’s where the term “alligator cracks” came from.
These cracks often consist of a network of broad, shallow pavement cracks that, if not repaired right once, might get worse over time. Communicate with a paving expert so they can come in and patch the cracks before the changing of the seasons cause them to deepen and enlarge.
Tears or Wrinkles
The connection between your pavement and the foundation is deteriorating and weakening with time, which is why you might notice wrinkles or tears in your pavement. If these creases and tears aren’t repaired right away, disaster will follow shortly.
It’s important that your pavement and foundation are fixed immediately before the tears and wrinkles get worse and harder to fix.
Discoloration on the Pavement
With the sun constantly hammering down on the pavement, the discoloration can develop over time. If the pavement on your property appears discolored, this could be a warning signal that more damage is impending. The sun’s UV rays will also degrade the pavement, increasing its propensity to crack over time.
But don’t worry; discoloration is usually an easy fix. You can seal your pavement with a good seal coat. This can shield your pavement from the sun’s UV rays which will prevent discoloration and cracks. Not to mention, it can also prevent water damage.
Edges are Crumbling
Not having concrete gutters or curbs on your pavement can risk having the edges slowly crumble. The edges may start to break apart, causing them to crumble and damage the pavement.
Bottomline
Your pavement has to deal with a lot of weather elements every day, which can ultimately cause it to deteriorate and weaken, making the pavement look unkept and damaged. But it can easily be fixed so long as you’re taking care of your pavement and having regular fixing to prevent any large damages.