Asphalt is a durable material with a long-life expectancy, which is the reason it’s the perfect decision for everything from driveways to parking lots. However, without proper maintenance, it is powerless to damage. If you own a commercial property, you want the material used is good so you can boost curb appeal and keep people safe. Let’s investigate a few common causes for asphalt damage and how to forestall them. WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES FOR ASPHALT DAMAGE? ● HEAT, COLD AND RAIN Asphalt is more flexible and dynamic than concrete, implying that it is vulnerable against the impacts of extremely hot or cold temperatures and rain. During the high heat of summer, heavy loads can make the asphalt soften and deform. Then again, frigid weather conditions make asphalt become more fragile and the edges can chip or break off. Try not to permit a weighty truck to sit in one place for too long, and don’t use tools like jacks that can scratch or dent the surface. — HOW COLD TEMPERATURES AFFECT ASPHALT When winter comes, the temperatures frequently drop to where freezing occurs both below or above the asphalt, which can cause cracks. At the point when cracks occur, water can seem into the asphalt. This is a serious issue throughout the winter months, since the water that has infiltrated the asphalt can then freeze assuming it gets cold. Since water expands when it freezes, the asphalt will part split further, which can result in the beginning of a pothole. — HOW HOT TEMPERATURES AFFECT ASPHALT Since you live in a warmer climate doesn’t imply that your asphalt won’t be affected by outrageous temperatures. Heat can cause cracks too, which can bring about water seeping in. The water may not damage the asphalt similarly that it would be able assuming it freezes because of cold temperatures, however it can damage the asphalt by eroding the sub-surface layers. This results in an air gaps forming within the pavement. On the off chance that the pavement over these sub-surface gaps experiences any pressure, such as the weight of a vehicle passing over it, the top layer of the asphalt will sag, collapse and then crumble, thereby forming a pothole. — HOW RAIN AFFECTS ASPHALT There tends to be more rain during specific seasons, like the fall and spring. Like we referenced already, assuming your asphalt has any cracks, it turns out to be much more vulnerable to rain since water can then penetrate the asphalt and cause serious issues later on. In any case, more extreme terrain can affect the erosion of asphalt also. Rain can wash away the liquid asphalt gradually over the time, leaving behind only bare rock and aggregate. The aggregates and asphalt are then bound to split off and end up run-off, storm drains and gutters. What precisely is liquid asphalt? Essentially, it’s a petrol based item that is utilized to bond together total aggregates, like stone and rock, that form the asphalt. ● STANDING WATER Rain can puddle and sit on lopsided spots of asphalt until it evaporates. In any case, it will likewise saturate the pores of the asphalt and make it to soften and crack. As those cracks worsen, they weaken the sub-base material and can form into potholes. Large cracks and potholes can make the area perilous for pedestrians and cause extensive damage to vehicles. ● TREES, ROOTS AND WEEDS Tree roots are strong and grow in all different directions. If you have trees that are excessively near to a parking lot or driveway, the roots might grow too near the surface, making the pavement lift, clasp, or crack. Weeds can sprout up through otherwise minor cracks, eat away at crumbling edges, and even push up from underneath a thinning surface, cracking it more or creating bumps and trip hazards. The roots themselves cause a large amount of damage, breaking down the surface Or, if you want to plant new trees, keep them few feet away from the pavement. Trust Asphalt Experts – Your Partner for Asphalt Care Excellence in Utah.