The most common asphalt-related problem is cracking. Although cracking is not usually serious, it can ruin a driveway, sidewalk or parking lot.
Asphalt is one of the most durable materials available. It can also be cut, blown, stretched, compressed and scrubbed, making it a high-quality product. However, its durability also has an impact on the quality of repair.
One reason asphalt repair can be so costly is that asphalt is a concrete-based repair material. Asphalt cracks because it is very thin and flexible. When cracks form in concrete, the crack gets wider until it penetrates the surface.
This is why asphalt cracks and does not always crack properly. In addition, the cracking can happen at any time. Therefore, if you don’t want to pay a high price for asphalt repairs, you should know how to prevent them.
One way to avoid cracks is to install an asphalt slab, a surface of gravel or stones on a hard surface. An example is pavement installed on a concrete slab. If you are installing the slab yourself, use a sledgehammer. Otherwise, use a rolling pin.
For a small hole, apply mortar to the area and fill it with gravel. For larger holes, drill and fill with gravel. A gravel base is much easier to fill with water than with cement. Then, spread mortar to form a layer over the gravel. Finally, top the mix with clean gravel, concrete and mortar.
Check the asphalt base before you dig holes in your driveway. Check the thickness of the asphalt first. You don’t want to tear up your asphalt by over-filling it. You also don’t want to fill a hole too deeply, as it could damage the top layer of gravel.
For heavy traffic areas, the repair should be done when the sun is not very bright. Allow the holes to heal, then Asphalt Albuquerque comes out and repairs the holes with a pick or hammer. Although there are tools used to pry up large holes, you might want to call in a professional to help you.
Remember, an asphalt crack is an unsightly and sometimes dangerous problem. The cracks in asphalt are also easy to see because of their unevenness. By watching your surface carefully, you can avoid making a big crack.
Asphalt cracks can also be caused by cold weather. So, if your sidewalk or parking lot is cracked, give it time to heal before you start repairing it. A warm day can actually speed up the cracking process. Even if the weather is not cold, this time should be allowed to heal to make sure the repair doesn’t take much longer.
Before you lay down an asphalt slab, be sure that you are careful where you lay it. Avoid laying on hot surfaces or on any surface that is uneven or has uneven gravel. Otherwise, your asphalt will crack when it is laid down, costing you more money to repair.
One way to avoid large repairs is to take your time and fix your asphalt repairs slowly. Asphalt is a tough material, but it can still be damaged easily. Use care when laying down the repair, and your asphalt will last a long time.
