After hiring professional asphalt paving contractors to pave your asphalt driveway, pavement, or parking lot, it is essential to realize that the asphalt will require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure it doesn't get severely damaged. Thus, if you notice that your asphalt parking lot or driveway has started to deteriorate, you should call an asphalt paving contractor to fix the issues before they get worse.  

Unfortunately, most people don't know when is the right time to call on asphalt paving contractors for maintenance or repairs on their asphalt installation. However, there are several signs you will notice on the asphalt that will let you know it is high time to schedule maintenance or repair services by an asphalt paving contractor.

With that said, here are three signs that indicate you need to call an asphalt paving contractor to repair your deteriorating asphalt.  

Alligator Cracks 

Alligator cracks are minute cracks that appear on the surface of the asphalt, giving it the appearance of an alligator's skin. Hence the name alligator cracks.

The main issue with these tiny cracks is that they allow moisture to penetrate the asphalt. Unfortunately, moisture can lead to the base becoming compromised through erosion. When the base becomes eroded, it will result in asphalt warping or buckling, which is more expensive to rectify.

Therefore, when you notice small cracks appearing on the surface of your asphalt driveway or parking lot, make a point of calling an asphalt paving contractor to assess the situation. If the cracks are not too severe and the base hasn't been compromised, the contractor will mostly suggest you consider seal coating the asphalt or a resurfacing job.

However, suppose the base has been compromised. In that case, the asphalt paving contractor will most likely suggest a full-depth reclamation job to ensure the base gets salvaged to prevent further buckling and warping.  

Fading and Staining

Fading occurs when asphalt gets exposed to Ultraviolet radiation from the sun over an extended period. Ultraviolet radiation induces a reaction with the binding agents in the asphalt. As a result of the reaction, the asphalts changes color from black to grey. Unfortunately, the continued reaction of the binding agents weakens the asphalt, and thus, after some time, it is common for the asphalt to start cracking.

On the other hand, staining occurs when chemicals dripping on the asphalt start reacting with the binding agents in the asphalt. Examples of such chemicals include oil and gasoline. When such substances react with the binding agents in the asphalt, they leave behind a stain that cannot get washed off, thus tarnishing the appearance of your asphalt. Additionally, because the chemicals react with the binding agents, it also means that the asphalt's integrity gets compromised.

Therefore, if you notice any signs of fading or staining on your asphalt, don't hesitate to call an asphalt paving contractor. Asphalt paving contractors will advise you on the best seal coating products to apply on the asphalt to ensure ultraviolet radiation and chemical spills do not damage your asphalt.  

Buckling and Warping

As mentioned earlier, buckling and warping are usually signs of a compromised asphalt base. When sections of the base get compromised by either moisture or settling, the asphalt surface will appear uneven or wavy.

Depending on the severity of the warping and buckling, your asphalt driveway or parking lot could experience drainage issues, and in the worst-case scenario, they could get flooded. Therefore, as soon as signs of warping and buckling appear, call an asphalt paving contractor to assess the situation immediately.

Additionally, warping and buckling may occur due to heavy-duty vehicles exerting pressure on the asphalt. If this is the reason for buckling and warping, then an asphalt contractor may recommend resurfacing the asphalt to make it level.

Lastly, if the buckling and warping are due to the base settling or getting compromised, the asphalt paving contractors may have to replace the base entirely to make it sturdier.

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