5 Signs Your Asphalt Surface Needs Replacing

Are the cracks and potholes in your asphalt paved surface becoming hazards? If so, it may be time to reach out to an experienced Minneapolis asphalt repair company in your area. With regular asphalt maintenance and repairs, asphalt paved surfaces can last up to 20 years!

However, even if you do invest in asphalt pavement maintenance, it will eventually need to be replaced. In this blog post, we will go over the 5 signs your asphalt drivewayor parking lot needs to be replaced.

1. Alligator Cracks

Alligator cracks are a distinctive cracking pattern in your asphalt that resembles alligator scales. If you notice this distinctive pattern in your asphalt surface, it most likely means that the foundation of your paved surface is deteriorating. Once the foundation of your driveway or parking lot has become damaged, asphalt pavement replacement may become necessary.

An experienced asphalt contractor will be able to inspect the pavement to determine whether repair or replacement is the better option. Whether the alligator cracks are in an isolated area or are a widespread problem, you’ll need to consult with a professional as soon as possible.

2. Potholes

If the pothole is small, you may be able to get away with asphalt repair and maintenance services. However, if the pothole is left unattended, it can easily grow into a bigger expense.

If your parking lot or driveway is riddled with potholes, it may be time to consider asphalt surface replacement. If multiple potholes form, it may be a sign that the asphalt foundation is beginning to fail.

If you own a commercial asphalt parking lot, you need to consider the issue of liability. If large potholes are left alone, they can cause damage to vehicles or even cause personal injury.

To avoid the legal consequences of a neglected parking lot or driveway, we recommend calling an asphalt replacement company to see what they can do to restore the look and function of your paved surface.

3. Problems with Drainage

If you notice pools of water left on the surface of your asphalt parking lot or driveway, you’ll need to consider asphalt replacement. When water is not able to properly drain, it can collect in the low spots of your parking lot or driveway and cause further damage to your asphalt surface.

Drainage problems can also happen when deep cracks allow water to seep beneath the surface and damage the foundation. When water is trapped beneath the surface of your asphalt paving, it causes further damage during freeze-thaw cycles.

4. Faded Pavement

Did you know that the sun can damage your parking lot or commercial driveway over time? Thankfully, asphalt sealcoating can protect your asphalt pavement from UV rays.

If you notice the color of your asphalt pavement turn from black to gray, you’ll want to contact an asphalt contractor to inspect for structural damage. While you may think of faded pavement as more of a cosmetic issue, it can also be a sign of a weakened asphalt surface.

5. Stains

Asphalt driveways and parking lots are prone to stains from motor oil and other chemicals. In addition to their unsightly appearance, these substances can compromise the protective surface of the asphalt and leave your pavement vulnerable to fading and deterioration.

Stains should be dealt with immediately to avoid long-term structural problems with your asphalt. Our contractors can help. If you notice staining on your asphalt surface, give us a call and we’ll let you know what your options are.

Repair, Resurface, or Replace?

In some cases, if the damage is minor, you can get away with either repairing or resurfacing your asphalt rather than replacing it altogether. In general, if the damage is surface-level, it can be either patched or fixed with a full resurface.

However, if the damage has extended into the foundation of the asphalt, you will need to replace the entire surface. Once the structural integrity of the asphalt has been compromised, you’ll continue to experience problems that could even become dangerous until the asphalt is replaced.

Ready to Replace Your Asphalt?

If your paved surface needs to be replaced, it may exhibit one or all of these symptoms. If you are unsure about whether or not repaving is necessary, feel free to call our Minneapolis asphalt paving contractors at (651) 484-1696. ACT Asphalt Specialties is an asphalt resurfacing company that prides itself on improving the appearance and function of any paved surface.

This blog post has been updated.