In the greater Chicago area, asphalt paving makes a great deal of sense. It has excellent resiliency, is fast to install, offers exceptional aesthetics, and is surprisingly economical. An asphalt pavement can provide useful service for several decades if you maintain it properly. An extremely important part of your pavement maintenance should be the prompt repair of any significant cracks that develop. However, it is equally important to make every attempt to prevent cracks in the first place.
What Are Some Ways to Prevent Cracks in Asphalt Pavements?
It is impossible for you to prevent every type of crack from developing. For example, some cracks can be the result of a construction error made by the parking lot paving contractor. Other cracks may develop due to the movement of the ground underneath the pavement. However, the following tips can help prevent many cracks and reduce the number and severity of any that might develop.
1. If your pavement is new, have your parking lot maintenance contractor sealcoat it at the appropriate time. New asphalt pavements need time to exhaust their excess oil, so it is normally at least three months before you can sealcoat it. However, do not wait longer than 10 or 12 months for your initial sealcoating. You will then need a fresh application about every two years. Sealcoating help prevent damage from automotive fluids, UV rays, and chemicals that can lead to cracks and potholes.
2. Keep your pavement as clean as possible. Sweep up trash and leaves to prevent accumulations that can trap water on top of your pavement. Remove debris from grates and gutters to prevent clogging. Clean up automotive fluids at least every six months to prevent the pavement beneath them from deteriorating.
3. In the winter, you want to do all you can to prevent buildups of ice and snow. Ask your asphalt contractor to recommend safe products to use to prevent accumulations or melt them.
4. Call for professional paving repairs as soon as you need them. An economical crackfilling procedure can often prevent the need for a pothole repair. Similarly, a parking lot repair to mend a pothole could prevent alligator cracking and the need for a foundation repair.
5. Use your pavement properly. Your asphalt contractor considered many factors when designing your pavement. These included the average number of vehicles that would use your pavement on a typical day as well as their weights. Increasing either the number or weight of the vehicles can cause or contribute to cracking.
If you have more questions about preventing asphalt cracks, contact Black Hawk Paving. Since we launched our business in 1975, we have helped countless commercial clients build, maintain, and repair their pavements. We offer an extensive menu of services, including asphalt repairs, hot crack sealing, asphalt sealcoating, concrete flatwork, excavations, car stops, asphalt paving, site grading, parking lot striping, concrete repairs, and asphalt milling. We have an exemplary reputation for delivering extraordinary work and outstanding service on every job. We offer free job quotes, so request yours today. You can complete our online form, call 708-479-0400, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.
