Your commercial pavement undergoes a lot during its lifetime. Between exposure to harsh sunlight, rain, and chemicals, it may be time for you to consider hiring an asphalt contractor to maintain it. Pavement cracking is one of the most common types of damage, and because of this, it’s important to understand the underlying causes of cracking and the repair required. This will prolong the life of your parking lot while helping you save money and time in the long run.

Here are some common causes of pavement cracking you should ask your asphalt contractor about:

1. Ground Movement

Because the gravel layer of the ground serves as the base of your pavement, if the ground shifts, your asphalt will most likely follow suit. Seasonal factors such as heavy rain, frost, and soil erosion as well as natural events such as earthquakes and floods can cause the ground beneath your pavement to shift.

2.  Water

Water is perhaps one of the most harmful causes of pavement cracking. It can penetrate existing cracks, which results in expansion, or it can deteriorate the base of your pavement by breaking down underlying layers of sand and gravel. To protect your pavement from water damage, it’s best to periodically invest in crack sealing, seal coating, and regular maintenance to prevent water permeation.

3. Sunlight

If you live in a warmer area that receives a greater amount of sunlight than others, you’ll want to take additional notice of this risk. While the sun’s UV rays can produce some damage on their own, the heat that accompanies the sun is what causes cracking. High levels of heat exposure break down your asphalt and dry out its surface, which can cause your pavement to lose its flexibility.

4. Age

In general, the older your pavement, the higher the risk of cracking. As asphalt ages, it’s natural for it to lose its flexibility over time due to a number of factors such as the ones above. However, age causes your pavement to become weaker, and thus, more prone to cracking when gravity is able to exert greater pressure on your asphalt over time.

If you suspect your pavement is in need of repair, consider looking into Hasco concrete and paving services. Contact us here for a free estimate and one of our team members will be in touch shortly.