Taking Care Of Asphalt Maryland

By Kate McMahon


There are a lot of benefits associated with asphalt Maryland residents need to know. Protecting such an investment from deteriorating is essential in ensuring an attractive looking driveway or parking lot. Seal-coating the material within a year of installation is the most cost efficient way for avoiding pavement failures and expensive repairs. The common asphalt problems with their solutions are highlighted below.

With time, gas, oil, traffic, and the sun unrelenting rays will wreck havoc on the material. The older it gets, the more it becomes exposed to elements. Eventually, this will make it fade and take the gray appearance. This is a sign that the substance is oxidizing and drying out. The more it dries, the more brittle it becomes thus making it prone to cracks. At this point, it is a downward spiral if nothing is done to prevent water from penetrating the formed cracks.

Raveling is also an important issue that home owners need to be aware of. The binder usually acts as glue. It holds together the stones and the sand particles that make up asphalt. When deterioration of these materials begins, the process is called raveling. The aggregate pieces will loosen and breakaway from the pavement surfaces making them thinner and thinner with time.

The longitudinal and transverse crevices are usually common in the driveways. They begin as small cracks and then widen up with time. The appearance of such cracks and crevices provides chances for water to penetrate to their base. Frequent changes in temperature cause expansion and contraction thus forming cracks.

It will be necessary to clean out any debris and dirt from the cracks. Repairs can also be made to prevent the water from seeping below the material and also help to stop the crack from widening. Seal-coating the pavement early enough will help to lock in the binder (glue) and also prevent the cracks from occurring.

Plants and weeds will begin to grow if the cracks, joints and crevices in the pavements are not filled. In other cases, trees grow thus covering up almost the entire driveway, changing its visual appeal. The parking lots appear unkempt and the base of this material begins to deteriorate. As the plants grow, their roots widen thus expanding the already formed crevices. This in turn allows for penetration of more water which ends up eroding the base of the pavement. Simple repairs on such materials will help the home owner to save substantial amount of money.

In all these, it is important to note that asphalt is safe and long-lasting. They are able to withstand any load, from trucks to sedans. These materials can be customized to minimize noise, to help treat rain water, and even minimize spray and splash during wet seasons. It can also withstand freezing and thawing.

The above are essential facts on asphalt Maryland residents need to know. The look of the driveway usually has an overall effect on the appeal of the house. It creates a focal point when the guest and passerby visit the apartment or the home of an individual.




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