Great Lakes Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating LLC

How Fast Does Asphalt Break Down Without Maintenance?

asphalt maintenance

Asphalt is a robust and durable material that is widely used for driveways, roads, as well as parking spaces. However, its endurance and effectiveness depend on its regular maintenance. If it is not asphalt maintenance properly asphalt will begin to degrade rapidly, leading to potholes, cracks, and structural issues. This article examines the speed at which asphalt deteriorates without proper maintenance, what factors contribute to its degrading process, as well as the necessity of taking proactive steps in order to increase its longevity.

The Lifespan of Asphalt Without Maintenance

Asphalt surfaces are generally constructed to last for 15 to 30 years if properly maintained. If they are not treated with treatment or maintenance the process of breakdown could begin earlier. Asphalt maintenance that has not been maintained may begin to show signs of wear and tear in five to 10 years and, in some instances, it may be sooner, based on the the environmental conditions and other elements.

Factors Influencing Asphalt Deterioration

A variety of factors can accelerate the degrading of asphalt maintenance is not done:

1. Weather and Climate

  • Sunlight Excessive exposure to UV rays can oxidize the asphalt, which causes it to break down and lose its ability to bend. It can cause cracks in the surface.
  • Rainwater The water seeps through cracks, weakening the base layer, which causes cracks, and damage to the structure.
  • Freeze-Thaw Cycles in colder climates in colder climates, the water that gets into cracks expands as it freezes which widens the cracks resulting causing damage over a long course of time.

2. Traffic Load

  • The heavy traffic of large volumes including buses and trucks, creates an enormous pressure on asphalt which causes cracks, rutting, and deformation of the surface.
  • In the absence of maintenance, these strains increase over time and speed up the process of breakdown.

3. Chemical Exposure

  • The sprinklings of gasoline, oil, and various other substances damage the binder of asphalt, causing it to weaken and break.
  • The surfaces that have not been maintained are more prone to chemical penetration because of existing cracks.

4. Poor Drainage

  • A pool of water that forms on the surface as a result of poor drainage speeds up the degrading of asphalt by eroding the surface layer, thereby compromising the strength of the structure.

5. Original Construction Quality

  • Incorrect installation or materials could reduce the life of asphalt. This is especially true when regular maintenance isn’t performed in order to fix the flaws that have already been identified.

Stages of Asphalt Deterioration Without Maintenance

  1. Year 1-3: Initial Wear
    • The surface may wear a little as a result of UV exposure and moderate traffic.
    • Cracks in the hairline can appear, but they’re usually not obvious.
  2. Year 4-7: Visible Cracks and Surface Damage
    • The cracks are small and grow as debris and water enter the system.
    • The sun’s rays cause the surface to lose its flexibility and become brittle.
    • Environmental stress and traffic cause obvious damage.
  3. Year 8-15: Major Deterioration
    • The cracks get bigger, which leads to the development of potholes.
    • The base layer may become weaker as a result of infiltration by water.
    • The surface can form ruts and uneven spots which can compromise safety and usability.
  4. Year 15 and Beyond: Structural Failure
    • Potholes, cracks, and surface erosion make the asphalt unsuitable and unsafe.
    • In this point, a replacement of all components may be required as it is much more costly than maintenance routinely performed.

The Cost of Neglecting Maintenance

The financial consequences of ignoring asphalt maintenance are substantial. Even though regular maintenance costs are quite low, the expense of repair or replacement of asphalt that is damaged is astronomically higher. This is a good example:

  • Sealcoating: $0.15-$0.25 per square foot (every 2 to 3 years).
  • Crack Filling $3-$1 per linear foot.
  • Pothole Repair 50-150 dollars for each pothole.
  • Complete Replacement: $3-$7 per square foot.

If they invest in routine maintenance, owners of property are able to avoid costly repairs, and prolong the life of the asphalt surface.

How to Prevent Asphalt Breakdown

  1. Sealcoating
    • Sealcoating acts as a shield that protects asphalt from ultraviolet rays as well as water and chemical spills.
    • The regular application (every 2 to 3 years) will help to prevent the oxidation process and cracking of the surface.
  2. Crack Filling
    • Be aware of cracks before they become a problem, which stops the infiltration of water and prevents cracks from growing.
    • Make sure to use high-quality fillers for longevity.
  3. Pothole Repair
    • Make sure you repair the potholes promptly to prevent any further harm to the layer beneath.
    • Hot mix or infrared patching asphalt is a good choice to make repairs that are effective.
  4. Proper Drainage
    • Make sure drainage systems function properly and stop water from pooling over the top of the.
    • Put in drains or curbs when it is necessary to divert water from the asphalt surface.
  5. Regular Inspections
    • Regularly inspect your home for any early signs of wear and wear and tear.
    • Make small-scale adjustments before they become serious issues.
  6. Routine Cleaning
    • Clean up oil, debris and chemical spills as soon as they occur so that the surface is protected.
    • The use of pressure washing for cleaning larger areas with ease.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

  1. Extended Lifespan
    • Regularly scheduled maintenance could double the longevity of asphalt surfaces. It can also reduce the necessity for replacing them prematurely.
  2. Cost Savings
    • The cost of preventive maintenance is considerably lower in cost than major repair or replacement.
  3. Enhanced Safety
    • Well-maintained, smooth surfaces decrease the chance of injuries due to potholes or uneven terrains.
  4. Improved Aesthetics
    • A clean asphalt surface improves the general appearance of an area.
  5. Environmental Benefits
    • The longer life span of asphalt helps reduce the environmental impact of new construction and manufacturing.

Conclusion

Asphalt is a sturdy and affordable material however, its long-term durability depends on the regularity of maintenance. In the absence of proper maintenance, asphalt may be prone to breaking down in just five to ten years, resulting in cracks, potholes, and eventually structural damage. Traffic loads, environmental factors, and exposure to chemicals can contribute to the process of degradation.

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