If you’ve been responsible for maintaining an asphalt surface for any period of time, you probably know that it’s important to repair cracks in a timely manner, and to have the surface seal coated periodically to protect it from weather and heavy use. But you may not know that one of the most important steps you can take to protect your asphalt surface is to ensure that you have proper drainage.
Asphalt is an extremely strong and durable surface. When cared for properly, it can last for many years and even decades. But as strong as asphalt pavement is, it can be seriously damaged by one element in particular: water. Water can, in fact, be deadly for an asphalt surface. When combined with UV rays and oxygen, water breaks down the chemical bonds in asphalt. As a result, the pavement can become brittle and develop small cracks. Those cracks, in turn, can allow even more water to seep through the surface. Over time, those cracks will grow, additional water will seep in, and eventually the foundation of the asphalt will be damaged. Once the foundation is damaged, often the only remedy is to replace the surface completely.
It doesn’t take much water to negatively impact an asphalt surface. Even a small amount can be damaging. If you have minor indentations in your asphalt surface that collect water, and that water can’t be drained away from the pavement, it can be enough to create cracks. Paving contractors usually address this issue by adding a slope to the asphalt surface. A slope can be very minimal – often as little as 1 percent – but it can make all the difference in the world when it comes to protecting the asphalt from water damage. A slope works by allowing water to drain off the surface into curbs or other water retention areas.
Even if you don’t see actual puddles of standing water on your asphalt surface, you may still have a drainage problem. Look for telltale signs of poor drainage – dirt stains in certain spots on the surface, places where debris has collected, or areas where concentrated cracking is obvious. When you see these signs, contact a reputable local paving contractor for help. Fortunately, there are ways to address drainage issues even for existing asphalt surfaces. A paving professional can help you to identify problem areas and recommend the best way to resolve the issue.