5 Pavement Failures Of The Worst Kind

Pavement fails for various reasons, but some failures are more common than others. Affordable Sealing & Striping, Inc. will discuss five of the worst pavement failures and how to avoid them. These failures can be very costly for business owners, so it is essential to prevent them!

1. Raveling

Raveling occurs when the asphalt surface layer begins to break away from the underlying layer. It occurs due to several factors, such as water infiltration, traffic loads, and poor construction. If left untreated, raveling can lead to potholes and other severe damage.

To avoid raveling, it is important to seal cracks and joints in the pavement as soon as they appear. It will help to prevent water from infiltrating the surface layer of asphalt. Additionally, regular maintenance (such as crack sealing and resurfacing) can help extend the life of your pavement.

2. Bleeding

Bleeding occurs when asphalt binder seeps to the pavement’s surface. It occurs due to high temperatures, excessive traffic, or improper construction. If left untreated, bleeding can lead to raveling and other severe damage.

To avoid bleeding, it is essential to ensure that the asphalt binder is applied in the correct thickness and that the pavement is adequately compacted. Additionally, avoid parking vehicles on the pavement for extended periods, and keep traffic levels to a minimum.

3. Fissuring

Fissuring is another type of pavement failure caused by various factors, such as thermal expansion and contraction, inadequate sub-base support, or poor drainage. Fissures are typically long and narrow cracks in the surface layer of asphalt and can often lead to other types of damage, such as potholes.

It is essential to ensure that your pavement has adequate sub-base support and proper drainage to prevent fissuring. Additionally, avoid overloading the pavement with too much traffic or weight.

4. Spalling

Spalling is a type of concrete deterioration that causes the surface layer to break into small pieces. It is usually caused by the freeze-thaw cycle, in which water seeps into cracks in the concrete and then expands when it freezes. It can cause the concrete to break apart.

It is essential to seal any cracks in your pavement as soon as possible to prevent spalling. Additionally, you can try using a deicer that does not contain salt, further damaging the concrete.

5. Alligator Cracking

It is a type of fatigue cracking that gets its name from its resemblance to the skin of an alligator. It is caused by repetitive traffic loads or poor drainage and can eventually lead to potholes or other types of damage.

To prevent alligator cracking, it is essential to maintain a sound drainage system and regularly check for any cracks or other damage. Additionally, you can try using a sealant or asphalt repair product.

Ending Note

Affordable Sealing & Striping, Inc., serving Greeley, CO, wants to ensure that your paving projects go as smoothly as possible. To that end, we provide free estimates for anyone who needs help avoiding these five pavement failures. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re ready to prevent raveling, bleeding, fissuring, spalling, cracking, and other such issues in your next project.

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