Asphalt Driveways: Causes of Damage and Its Prevention

Asphalt is a highly durable solution for driveways in parking lots and roads. However, no matter what material is used, every driveway needs proper maintenance and so as asphalt. Road authorities are highly concerned about the damage, so check them on time and repair the same. But if it is your private property, then installing an asphalt driveway or pavement will need care and maintenance by expert asphalt contractors in Melbourne. 

Just like on a public road, your asphalt driveways succumb to forces that cause them to crack, crumble and tarnish. However, a little care and regular maintenance can prevent such damages. Asphalt is a material that you can repair easily and there will be no need to change the whole surface because of minor cracks. But if you are not an expert, then you can ask your contractor to fix the damage. 

But, before that, let’s take a look at causes of damage:

• Water damage: The asphalt is counted as a reliable surface to withstand Australian winters, but an excessive amount of water can lead to huge damage to driveways. This happens when there are cracks and uneven surfaces. Water makes build-ups in such spaces, which lead to underneath moisture of pavement that damages the surface.

• Tree roots : Vegetation also causes damage to asphalt driveways in Melbourne. The tree roots start expanding underneath, which causes cracks by pushing the surface up. Once this starts, you will see bumps and dips which lead to water pooling. 

• Overloading : Letting heavy vehicles run for more than the limit can also cause damage to driveways. The material is specific to hold and remain durable with a limit of the load. Further, overloading can cause breakage.

• Poor installation : Asphalt is one of the easy-going materials available in marble. Yet, a poor installation of the material can cause pre-mature wear and tear.

• Base erosion : Typically, the underground soil erodes when water concentrates into small channels. The erosion of base soil leads to driveway damage, leaving it empty underneath. It also causes cracks and dips.

The above-listed were the causes of damage of asphalt driveways. The good news is you can prevent them. We’ll further talk about how to prevent this damage. So, pay heed!

How to prevent damage to asphalt driveways?

1. Proper installation
   A poor installation of any material is the main cause of the leading damages. If the asphalt is not installed properly, it will wear and tear easily as said above. So, ensure that it is properly installed and the ground is properly prepared by a reputable asphalt layer.
   
   
2. Limit excess weight
   When the surface of asphalt driveways is overloaded with excess weight, it cannot hold back. The result is, it will start breaking layers and no longer remain smooth to drive safely. It is better to limit the excess weight on such driveways. You can put a sign for heavy vehicles and their amount to carry weight.
   
   
3. Don’t plant trees with large root systems
   As stated above, tree roots can cause damage to driveways by expanding underneath. However, small plants do not cause such problems, but large with expanding root system will. If there are any trees with a large root system that can cause such unnecessary trouble, then remove that tree from the site. And do not plan any new trees nearby.
   
   
4. Fill cracks and repair potholes
   As soon as the cracks appear on your driveway, fill them with the same material so that you can drive smoothly. Cracks and potholes make your drive surface brittle. And it lets the water pooling in it. Once the water gets its way into cracks, it weakens the base, which could not hold the traffic load for long. So, you should repair the cracked potholes earliest.
   
   
5. Ensure proper drainage
   The life expectancy of your asphalt needs shielding from water damage. Otherwise, it will face cracks and debasement. Ensure that your asphalt contractors in Melbourne have taken into consideration, and the driveway has appropriate drainage that won't let any water leak under it. Also, make sure that the driveway is constructed at a slope with the goal that all the water can deplete off.

Hopefully, this blog must have helped you understand the causes and how to take proper preventions.So, consider it and let your driveways last long.