If you’re like most folks, you presumably take the condition of your driveway for granted. After all, it’s not until there’s a problem that we start to pay attention to it. And by then, it may as well be too late. While asphalt driveways can last for many years with proper care and maintenance, they are also prone to developing cracks over time.
In this blog post, AAA Paving Since 1964 LLC will provide a brief glossary of common asphalt driveway cracks and how to fix them. We hope this information will help you keep your driveway in good condition for years.
Types Of Asphalt Cracks
- Alligator Cracks: Also known as crescent or spider web cracks, they get their moniker from their resemblance to the skin of an alligator. Alligator cracks are usually caused by a combination of factors, including poor drainage, excessive weight or traffic, and sub-standard materials.
- Block Cracks: They are characterized by large, rectangular blocks of asphalt that have cracked. They are typically caused by shrinkage of the asphalt as it cools after being laid down.
- Edge Cracks: These cracks develop along the edges of an asphalt driveway and are caused by a lack of support at the edges. This can be due to inappropriate installation or soil erosion.
- Linear Cracks: They are characterized by long, straight cracks that run parallel. They can be caused by many factors, including pavement settlement, traffic, and poor drainage.
- Potholes: These are large craters that form in an asphalt driveway or an unkempt pavement. They are typically caused by water seeping into the asphalt and then freezing, expanding, and contracting as the temperature changes.
Fixing Asphalt Cracks
There’s a solution to every problem, including fixing types of asphalt cracks. Here are a few of the most common ways to fix them:
- Crack Filling: This is the most common method of repairing small cracks in an asphalt driveway. Crack filling involves using a flexible, epoxy-based resin to fill the crack. The resin is then fixed with ultraviolet light or heat to create a durable, long-lasting repair.
- Crack Sealing: This is a more permanent solution for larger cracks in an asphalt driveway. Crack sealing involves using a hot tar sealant to fill the crack. The tar sealant will protect the crack from water and weather damage and prevent further cracking.
- Pothole Patching: This is a quick and easy way to repair large holes in an asphalt driveway. Pothole patching involves filling the hole with a pre-mixed asphalt patching material. The material is then compacted to create a durable, long-lasting repair.
Well, there you have it! A brief glossary of common asphalt driveway cracks and how to fix them. We hope you found this information helpful and that you now feel more confident in tackling those pesky cracks yourself!
AAA Paving Since 1964 LLC Can Help You Out!
AAA Paving Since 1964 LLC, serving Rosenburg, TX and the surrounding areas, is built upon a family tradition of civil construction history. We’ve seen it all regarding asphalt and parking lot maintenance!
From asphalt sealcoating to striping and everything in between, our team is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to get the job done right the first time.
