Ways to Handle Asphalt’s Biggest Mishaps

Below is a list of ways to handle asphalt’s main haters brought to you by Kissner Paving:

Fuel and Motor Oil 

Asphalt is technically designed with an oil base. But fuel (particularly diesel) and motor oil are awful for the pavement. Oil will penetrate asphalt and break down its aggregate components. It’ll compromise the asphalt’s integrity and make it more susceptible to cracking and crumbling, which results in more asphalt damage.

How to handle it:

• Avoid using citrus-based cleaning agents on the pavement.
• Sprinkle cat litter on the stain overnight so you can absorb all excessive oil before you clean the remainder off using diluted vinegar (or dish detergent) and a stiff-bristled brush.
• Put any kind of oil catch container beneath a leaking car to prevent damage.
• If you have not repaired your oil-leaking vehicle, don’t park in the same space every day on the driveway.

Standing Water

Excessive moisture may cause any type of structure to erode — particularly concrete and asphalt pavement. Whether it is a heavy flow of water from sprinklers or natural rainfall, it’ll speed up the process of erosion. Softening and cracking are some of the problems caused by standing water. Even worse, if there are already any cracks on the pavement, water will just enlarge and expand those spaces.

How to handle it:

• If there is a certain space that is susceptible to puddle collection, have us fix your parking lot to accomplish correct drainage.
• Whenever you see them, brush off puddles.
• Regular application of sealcoat will act as a waterproofing option to assist in slowing down the process of water damage.

Freeze/Thaw Weather Patterns

The consistent temperature fluctuations cause moisture to find its way into cracks, then expand and tear up the asphalt pavement. Once pavement gets stretched further than it’s able to withstand, new cracks form as existing cracks are made worse.

How to handle it:

• Cracksealing is recommended to be done every 2 years to keep water from entering the pavement and existing asphalt damage from growing worse.
• Installing drain tile will effectively remove water from the base layers and subgrade of asphalt.
• The asphalt pavement’s slope might have to be adjusted to make sure that all water runoff travels to the right drainage structure.