5 Enemies Of Asphalt Pavement And How To Fight Them Off

Asphalt paving is one of the most reliable, durable, affordable and strongest paving types around, but it doesn’t come without its own set of challenges. When it comes to asphalt repair and maintenance, it is always a good idea to have one of the best asphalt paving companies in your corner, and Burnaby Blacktop is here for you. Our experts have worked diligently to build our reputation as one of the best paving companies in Vancouver, and we know all of the best tricks to keep your asphalt in the best condition possible. Below are five of the biggest challenges to asphalt paving and how asphalt paving companies like Burnaby Blacktop will help you fight them.

Tree Roots

When installing new asphalt driveways or walkways, underlying tree roots can be a real enemy. Depending on the tree, roots can extend for nearly one hundred feet away from the base, which poses a real challenge to any asphalt laid over the top of them. Oftentimes, tree roots pushing up from underground will manifest as cracks and bumps in the surface pavement. The best way to fight this is by hiring professional asphalt paving companies to problem solve with you before installation. Experts from Burnaby Blacktop will identify alternate routes or remove sections of problem roots during the installation process.

Water

Standing water is arguably one of the most obvious enemies to asphalt pavement. While the best Vancouver paving companies will design paved surfaces to shed standing water off the surface, wear and tear combined with a dynamic environment can change these surfaces over time. If you do not take the proper precautions to keep up with maintenance, this standing water can permeate the asphalt surface and cause real issues. The best way to fight this is by regular sealcoating to build-up a preventative layer to prevent cracks and potholes from forming.

UV Light

We all love the sun in Vancouver, but over time, its UV rays can actually cause damage to your asphalt. It is not always possible to build in complete shade, so the best way to protect your pavement against harmful UV rays is by regular sealcoating every three to six years.

Fuel and Oil Spills

Depending on what you are using your asphalt surface for, it can be hard to prevent at least a little fuel and oil from spilling on the surface. Like water, fuel and oil can penetrate your asphalt and deteriorate the foundation causing much larger problems requiring complete asphalt repair. The best prevention for these spills is to clean them up as soon as you notice them. Rinsing with a hose and washing with a cleaner is a great first step to fighting this asphalt enemy.

Heavy Use

The final and unavoidable enemy to asphalt paving is heavy use – especially by larger trucks and vehicles. Big vehicles can slowly breakdown pavement on repeated use areas, which will impact the asphalts durability over time. The best way to avoid this enemy is to search for the best Vancouver paving companies – such as Burnaby Blacktop – to install your asphalt pavement properly. Proper installation, combined with routine maintenance, will help your asphalt paving last for many years.

While there are some challenges to asphalt paving, they are all easy to address, and it remains one of the best paving surfaces around. Whether you require an asphalt repair or are pursuing a new project altogether, give Burnaby Blacktop a call today. Our expert contractors are always eager to fight the 5 enemies of asphalt pavement.