Don’t Ignore These Common Signs of Asphalt Trouble

When it comes to commercial properties, your frontage roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and parking ramps often create the first impression of your business or space. If these areas are well maintained, your property looks inviting; however, if they are neglected and in poor condition, you can unintentionally convey a negative impression before anyone even enters your building.

It's important to be aware of certain signs that may indicate impending asphalt problems that you should address. Learn what these signs are and what steps to take if you notice them developing on your pavement.

Small Signs, Big Asphalt Problems

Most occurrences of damage don't fix themselves, and issues with your asphalt pavement are no exception, which is exactly why proactive pavement repairs and maintenance are so important. Ignoring early signs of asphalt damage can lead to costly repairs down the line. Watch out for these common signs of asphalt trouble before they morph into big and costly problems.

Cracks Are More Than Just Cosmetic

Cracking in the surface layer of your asphalt pavement is about a lot more than just appearances. Cracks are precursors to potholes and indicators of weakened and damaged asphalt. Here are a few types of cracks that shouldn't be ignored.

Alligator Cracking

Alligator cracking is a type of pavement cracking that is identifiable by the network of lines that resembles the appearance of the reptile's skin.

Linear Cracking

Linear cracking is another type of crack you may find in your pavement; these cracks are long, straight lines that can be anything from hairline to larger valley-like.

Edge Cracking

Edge cracks are often caused by poor drainage or a weakened base or subgrade. These cracks form near the edges of your pavement and can spread and lead to asphalt raveling.

As the weather heats and cools nearly every day for an extended period of time, the repeated cycle of thermal expansion and stress during the hot summer months speeds up overall deterioration. This accelerates usual wear and tear, turning minor issues into major damage.

Learn about The Cost of Delaying Parking Lot Repairs: Why Acting Now Saves Money

Standing Water After Rain

The presence of standing water or puddles in your parking lot after rainfall can be a telltale sign of underlying issues with your pavement. Poor drainage or depressions in the asphalt surface may indicate bigger problems that, if left unaddressed, could lead to accelerated wear and tear and deterioration of your pavement.

Fading Color or Dull Appearance

Over time, pavement will have color fading in both the asphalt and the line striping. Sun exposure causes oxidation, which breaks down the asphalt binder, leading to discoloration and brittleness.

When to Act

If you notice your pavement is looking dull or worse yet, line striping is fading away, you'll want to act fast. Dull pavement often indicates that routine maintenance, such as sealcoating, has been overdue, which can lead to more damage. If the lines in your parking lot are disappearing before your eyes, it can pose a serious safety and liability risk and should be addressed immediately.

Potholes and Surface Depressions

Potholes are not only eyesores; they can also create trip hazards, cause vehicle damage, and increase risks of injury—another potential safety and liability concern. They also can mean there is hidden damage beneath the surface of your pavement caused by base layer erosion or water infiltration.

Loose Gravel or Surface Raveling

If you notice loose gravel, this is an indicator that the top layer of your pavement is breaking down, usually due to oxidation or weather. This is known as surface raveling, and over time, it gets progressively worse. If not addressed, it can lead to more serious deterioration and expensive repairs.

How to Respond

Depending on the severity of your pavement, sealcoating and patching may correct the problem. However, if the damage is more extensive, resurfacing or overlays may be necessary.

What to Do When You Spot These Signs

Now that you know the signs of asphalt trouble, you are ready to protect your pavement and investment. If you're already spotting some of these signs in your commercial parking lot, it's time to schedule a professional inspection.

• Request an estimate for recommended repairs and timelines
• Prioritize repairs before seasonal weather worsens issues
• Schedule preventative maintenance to stop small issues from spreading
• Create a maintenance plan to stay ahead

Protect Your Asphalt Before Minor Issues Turn Major

It's important to address even small concerns early on to avoid more serious issues later. Small cracks, surface wear, or minor potholes may seem insignificant at first, but if not repaired, they can quickly escalate into severe issues. By tackling these minor concerns early, you can save yourself from the headache and expense of extensive damage down the road.

At Doctor Asphalt, we are recognized as the top asphalt paving and pavement maintenance contractor in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Get in touch today to get a detailed site assessment and a free estimate for your property.

Doctor Asphalt delivers high-quality asphalt paving and maintenance solutions designed for the unique demands of the local climate. With a strong reputation for reliability and expertise, we provide premium services that enhance the safety and longevity of commercial and residential properties. Serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas, with nationwide capabilities for multi-property clients, we ensure durable, professional results that keep your pavement in top condition.