Asphalt pavements are known for their durability and resilience. Asphalt is commonly used in parking lots, but it has also gained popularity in homes for paving driveways. While asphalt is low on maintenance and a durable paving material, it is also susceptible to wear and tear. Asphalt driveways and pavements also degrade over time and may require repairs, sealing, or replacement based on the extent of the damage.
Just like other materials installed outdoors, asphalt gets exposed to harsh weather conditions that degrade it. While wear and tear is natural, other aspects speed up the degradation process or make asphalt pavements prone to damage. As such, it is wise for homeowners to know the factors that degrade their asphalt parking lots or driveways so that they can avoid these aspects and increase the lifespan.
Surface water
Most asphalt surfaces are installed in a way that encourages water to be driven or swept away from high traffic areas. Notably, standing water is one of the aspects that degrade asphalt surfaces. When an asphalt parking lot is neglected, surface water deteriorates it by creating a weakness on the pavement. Consequently, cracks in the pavement form and expand. They eventually form potholes. Therefore, homeowners should avoid surface water by regularly sealing the surfaces, which also extends the lifespan of your asphalt.
Sunlight
This affects asphalt surfaces the same way it does to your skin. It is among the factors that significantly damage asphalt surfaces because of the UV rays. You should protect your asphalt pavement with a protective seal coat to prevent the severe effects of UV rays. Notably, it is wise to sealcoat the surface after three to five years for protection against the forces of UV rays. Besides, asphalt sealing in Salt Lake City protects driveways and parking lots from other aspects such as oil and surface water.
Oil and other fluids
The other enemy of asphalt surfaces that you should be aware of is oil and other liquids. Vehicle fluids significantly affect asphalt driveways, especially if they reach the sub-layers. Oil stains often damage the bitumen, which results in rigid and crumbling parking lots. Additionally, some fluids such as coolant do not only damage your asphalt surface, but they are also risky when it comes to pets and people. Therefore, homeowners should clean up vehicle fluids as soon as they spill so that they don’t reduce the life of your asphalt driveway.
Tree roots
These are stronger than asphalt surfaces. In a competition between the two, trees roots will win. Asphalt surfaces that are installed near a tree are susceptible to damage by the tree roots as they grow beneath the surface. In the long run, tree roots shift the driveway and create bumps and cracks, which damage your asphalt surface. Therefore, you need to choose an experienced company that will install the asphalt surface professionally to prevent damage from tree roots.
These are some of the elements that are likely to damage and reduce the lifespan of your asphalt parking lot. Asphalt should be protected from these elements to maximize its lifespan, the same way you paint your house. One of the best ways to protect your asphalt surface is by sealing it often, probably after every four years.