If you own or manage commercial property in Houston, you know the pavement outside your business takes a beating. Between heavy rain, high heat, constant humidity, and steady traffic, asphalt surfaces face a unique set of challenges in this region. But the good news is, with the right expertise and maintenance plan, these problems can be fixed — and even prevented.
AAA Paving has been solving Houston’s toughest pavement problems for over 50 years. From pothole repair to advanced resurfacing, our team knows what it takes to keep your property’s pavement strong, safe, and looking its best.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common pavement issues we see in Houston — and explain how our expert solutions can help.
Potholes: The Top Menace on Houston Roads
Why Potholes Form
Potholes start when water infiltrates small cracks in the asphalt surface. With Houston’s frequent rainstorms and humidity, water easily seeps into the pavement layers. As traffic rolls over the weakened areas, the surface collapses and a pothole is born.
How to Fix Them
AAA Paving uses proven pothole patching techniques, including full-depth patching and infrared asphalt repair, to permanently restore damaged areas. Timely pothole repair not only improves safety but also prevents the problem from spreading across your lot.
Alligator Cracking: A Sign of Serious Trouble
What Causes Alligator Cracks
Named for its resemblance to an alligator’s skin, this pattern of interconnected cracks signals a structural failure of the pavement. Common causes in Houston include poor drainage, an aging base layer, and the stress of heavy commercial vehicles.
How to Fix Them
Alligator cracking can’t be solved with a simple patch. AAA Paving typically recommends removing the damaged area, repairing the subbase, and installing fresh asphalt. For widespread cracking, full-depth reclamation or resurfacing may be the best long-term solution.
Rutting: Ruts in the Road from Heavy Traffic
Why Rutting Happens
Rutting appears as deep grooves or depressions in wheel paths. Houston’s heavy truck traffic, combined with soft asphalt during high summer temperatures, creates the perfect conditions for rutting to develop.
How to Fix It
Depending on severity, AAA Paving addresses rutting by milling and replacing the top layer of asphalt or, in more advanced cases, strengthening the pavement structure underneath. Proper compaction and mix design during installation are key to preventing future rutting.
Drainage Problems and Water Pooling
The Hidden Risk of Standing Water
Poor drainage causes water to collect on the pavement surface, which accelerates deterioration. Over time, standing water leads to soft spots, cracks, and potholes — especially in Houston’s storm-prone climate.
How to Fix It
AAA Paving offers drainage solutions like regrading, installing trench drains, and improving slope design to ensure water moves off your pavement. Addressing drainage early protects the pavement and the property around it.
Faded Striping and Markings
How Houston Weather Affects Striping
The intense sun and rain in Houston can fade pavement markings quickly, making parking lots and roadways less safe and less attractive.
How to Fix It
AAA Paving provides professional restriping services using high-durability traffic paints and thermoplastic markings that stand up to Houston weather. Fresh striping improves traffic flow, safety, and curb appeal.
Cracking from Thermal Expansion
Why Heat Matters
Houston’s temperature swings cause asphalt to expand and contract. Without proper flexibility, the surface eventually cracks under pressure, leading to moisture infiltration and further damage.
How to Fix It
Crack sealing is one of the most effective maintenance strategies. AAA Paving applies hot rubberized crack filler to seal joints and cracks, preventing water from penetrating and extending the life of the pavement.
Strengthening Pavement with Preventive Maintenance
Why Prevention Beats Repair
Waiting for visible damage often means you’re already facing expensive repairs. Regular maintenance — including sealcoating, crack sealing, and inspections — helps prevent small issues from turning into major failures.
How AAA Paving Helps
AAA Paving works with Houston property owners to develop customized maintenance plans tailored to the specific conditions of their site. Our proactive approach keeps pavement in top condition and maximizes your long-term investment.
Addressing Houston’s Heavy Traffic Needs
Designing for Load and Volume
Not all pavements are created equal. Areas with heavy truck traffic, loading docks, or high-turnover lots require stronger designs than light-use parking areas.
How to Build for Durability
AAA Paving engineers asphalt solutions using the right mix design, base preparation, and thickness to withstand heavy commercial use. We build pavements that hold up under pressure — literally.
Edge Cracking and Pavement Failures Along Shoulders
Why Edge Cracks Are Common in Houston
Edge cracking happens when the pavement at the outermost edges starts to break down. In Houston, this is often caused by water infiltration from poorly drained shoulders, tree root growth, or vehicles straying beyond the pavement edge, especially in areas without curbing.
How to Fix It
AAA Paving addresses edge cracking by sealing the cracks, strengthening the shoulder area, and improving drainage. In severe cases, we rebuild the affected section and reinforce it to handle edge stress long-term.
Raveling: When the Surface Starts Coming Apart
What Raveling Looks Like
Raveling is the progressive disintegration of the asphalt surface, where small stones or pieces of aggregate come loose. In Houston’s high-traffic, high-heat conditions, raveling can develop faster without timely maintenance.
How to Fix It
For minor raveling, AAA Paving uses sealcoating or surface treatments to lock aggregate back in place. In advanced cases, milling and overlaying the surface restores both appearance and performance.
The Importance of Regular Pavement Inspections
Catching Problems Early
Many Houston property owners wait until pavement damage is obvious before calling for help. But by that point, repairs are often more expensive. Regular inspections can identify early warning signs like minor cracking, subtle depressions, or drainage problems.
How AAA Paving Helps
AAA Paving offers expert pavement assessments that help clients plan ahead. Our team evaluates the condition of your lot, recommends cost-effective solutions, and creates a maintenance roadmap tailored to your site’s specific needs.
Conclusion
Houston’s climate and traffic put unique demands on asphalt surfaces, but you don’t have to let common pavement problems drain your budget. With the right repair methods and a smart maintenance plan, you can keep your pavement safe, durable, and great-looking for years to come.
AAA Paving
At AAA Paving, we know you want your asphalt project done right the first time. That’s why we bring more than 50 years of experience, the best materials, and a commitment to excellence to every job.
- Connect with an estimator
- Review and accept your proposal
- Expect excellent service
Visit aaapaving.com or call (281) 595-1366 to schedule your free site evaluation today. Let’s solve your pavement problems before they become bigger headaches.
