What is Your Lot Telling You? Know the Signs of Needing Asphalt Repair

Rose Paving / March 20, 2019

Asphalt repair is needed if you see large cracks like this one in your pavement.

Keeping an eye on your parking lot is an important part of your maintenance program. Knowing when your asphalt is wearing due to weather or heavy usage means you can work quickly to fix any issues that might arise. Preemptive care is best, but when damage or wear and tear occurs, prompt asphalt repair will help to lengthen the lifespan of your parking lot.

Asphalt Cracks – the Number One Cause for Blacktop Repair

Cracks will eventually form on your parking lot—it’s virtually unavoidable. They’re a normal sign of regular use that cannot be prevented altogether. Cracks occur in a variety of different ways, depending on the stressors of the environment. Some happen due to slippage, some because of underlying base issues, and some are simply due to age. For a more detailed look at the different kinds of cracks that require asphalt repair, check out our thorough guide here.

It’s important to take note of the cracks in your parking lot, keeping an eye on their formation and how quickly they are growing. Cracks that widen quickly or are more than ¼ inch across should be dealt with right away. These can often be repaired with asphalt patching, one of many maintenance and repair services offered by Rose Paving. Patching involves filling the damaged areas with asphalt, which improves structural integrity and reduces the need for removal and resurfacing.

‘Alligator’ cracking is another common blacktop repair issue. This is when small cracks spread across the surface of your parking lot with an appearance that somewhat resembles alligator skin. This is a more serious issue, as it’s evidence of greater wear and structural faults. Alligator cracking often requires asphalt resurfacing in order to provide a more long-term and ultimately cost-effective solution for your lot. Our experts at Rose Paving will be happy to assess your parking lot and advise on the best way to proceed with your asphalt repair.

Uneven Asphalt Surfaces and Drainage Issues

Is the surface of your parking lot level? Buckling and warping not only makes your lot a bumpy ride for your visitors, but they can also create drainage issues. Uneven surfaces can be caused by a compromised base or by heavy vehicle use but can often be leveled with asphalt repair if the overall structure is still sound.

Drainage issues must be tended to quickly to prevent increased damage to your parking lot Otherwise, lingering moisture will be able to seep between the layers and into even the most minute cracks in your asphalt, which can affect the binding agents and compromise the integrity of your lot. If these issues are caused by an uneven surface, leveling reduces water pooling and also prevents cracks and other damage. For persistent drainage issues, Rose Paving can aid with the installation of a catch basin to solve the issue once and for all.

Aesthetic Asphalt Repair for Color Changes

Has your parking lot changed from a deep, rich black color to a faded gray? Factors like exposure to bright, prolonged sunlight and heavy vehicle use can change the color of your asphalt. Not only does this make your lot look older and less maintained, but older pavement is more susceptible to cracking in the future due to brittleness. Sealcoating is one effective way that Rose Paving can help with your blacktop repair, as it not only protects the asphalt beneath from further damage, but also makes your parking lot look brand new.

Rose Paving is here to guide you toward the best solution for your asphalt repair. We pride ourselves in offering services tailored specifically to your needs, including our advanced Infrared Repair, which uses hot mix asphalt rather than cold patch, for deeper penetration without damage. As an effective solution in all weather conditions, Infrared Repair saves you time, money, and creates a seamless finish for your lot.