Name: Burnaby Blacktop LTD
Address: 4641 Byrne Rd, Burnaby, BC, V5J 3H6, CA
Telephone: 778.855.0513

Jun 09, 2023

5 root causes of pavement cracking

Cracked pavement is a common issue that many property owners face, with consequences that extend beyond mere aesthetics. Cracked pavements can pose safety hazards, reduce overall property value, and even lead to further structural issues if left unaddressed. Understanding the causes of pavement cracking is essential for taking preventive measures, performing proper maintenance, and ensuring the longevity of your paved surfaces.

At Burnaby Blacktop, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch paving services to our clients. With years of experience in the industry, we have witnessed firsthand the impact of various factors on pavement integrity. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to helping you maintain your pavement and address any issues that may arise. We believe that a well-informed property owner can make better decisions when it comes to pavement maintenance and care.

With all of this in mind, we have compiled this informative guide to help you understand the root causes of pavement cracking and how you can address them effectively.

Reason 1: Poor Construction, Material Quality, and Drainage

The foundation of any pavement project lies in proper construction techniques and high-quality materials. Subpar construction and poor-quality materials can lead to premature cracking and a reduced pavement lifespan. Additionally, a well-designed drainage system is crucial for preventing water damage to your pavement. To avoid these issues, choose a reputable paving contractor that uses high-quality materials and ensures proper drainage during the construction process.

Reason 2: Freeze-Thaw Cycles and Water Damage

The effects of winter, temperature fluctuations and water penetration are significant factors contributing to pavement cracking. Freeze-thaw cycles occur when water seeps into pavement cracks, freezes, and expands, causing the pavement to crack further. Poor drainage exacerbates water damage, making it essential to address any drainage issues promptly.

Preventive measures, such as using sealants and ensuring adequate drainage, can help minimize freeze-thaw cycle-related cracking and water damage. Regularly inspect your pavement for cracks, and fill or seal them as soon as possible to prevent water from infiltrating and causing further damage.

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Reason 3: Heavy Vehicle Traffic and Overloading

Heavy vehicle traffic and overloading can take a toll on your pavement’s integrity. Excessive weight from vehicles can cause cracks and other structural issues, particularly if the pavement was not designed to withstand such loads. To minimize damage from heavy traffic and overloading, monitor vehicle weights, and adhere to weight limits set for your pavement. Consult with a professional paving company to determine the appropriate weight limits for your specific pavement type and thickness.

Reason 4: Tree Roots and Vegetation Growth

Tree roots and vegetation growth can cause pavement cracks as they expand and push against the pavement structure. To prevent damage from tree roots and vegetation, plan your landscaping carefully and install root barriers when planting trees near pavements. Regularly trim vegetation growing near pavements to prevent roots from infiltrating and causing cracks.

Reason 5: Insufficient Pavement Maintenance

Regular pavement maintenance plays a critical role in preventing pavement cracking and addressing drainage issues. Common maintenance tasks include seal coating services, pothole patching, and resurfacing, which can significantly extend the lifespan of your pavement. Consult with professional paving companies like Burnaby Blacktop for routine maintenance services tailored to your pavement’s specific needs.

Hire Burnaby Blacktop to ensure that your pavement remains safe, functional, and attractive for years to come.

To sum up, understanding the five reasons for pavement cracking—poor construction, material quality, and drainage; freeze-thaw cycles and water damage; heavy vehicle traffic and overloading; tree roots and vegetation growth; and insufficient pavement maintenance—can help you take preventive measures and maintain the integrity of your paved surfaces. Don’t hesitate to contact Burnaby Blacktop for more information or assistance with your paving needs. Together, we can ensure that your pavement remains safe, functional, and attractive for years to come. Submit a contact form or give us a call!

COVID-19 Pandemic: Your Safety is Our Priority

To our valued customers

As a company, we prioritise health and safety for our employees and most importantly, our customers. We would like to assure you that we work under strict compliance with the BC Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and adheres to the guidelines provided by Health Canada and the World Health Organization regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our business procedures, including estimating, collections, on site work procedures and overall customer interaction have been adjusted to ensure a healthy interaction between our employees and customers:

All our estimators are being cleared daily via a health check to see if they are showing flu like symptoms (dry cough, fever, headache, etc.)
Anyone who have travelled outside the country or had any interaction with anyone who came from an overseas trip within the last 14 days are requested to complete a home quarantine procedure to ensure that they have not contracted the virus
When estimating a project, physical interaction is not necessary. Our estimator can visit the site if needed or look at the site plan, measure and calculate costs without a face to face contact with the customer. The quote will be sent via email and further questions or requests can be discussed over the phone
Our crew and clients must pass a health check before starting any project. Face to face interaction is limited as we practice social distancing on job sites. We maintain at least 6 feet distance from each other

Our employees have been educated with regards to the health and safety requirements amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We make sure that they strictly adhere to the following:

Regularly and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands
Cover their mouth and nose with the bend of the elbow or use tissue when coughing or sneezing
Properly and immediately dispose tissues in a garbage can and wash hands and bend of the elbow after coughing or sneezing
Adhere to social distancing guidelines (at least be 6 feet away from others), refrain from going to gatherings, parties and public events
Frequently disinfect touched objects and surfaces such as door handles, computers, phones, remotes, toilets, tools, equipment surfaces, etc.
Refrain from greeting people with a handshake or via any physical contact like embracing
If a staff member has or will be travelling outside of Canada, they will not be allowed on-site until the recommended 14-day quarantine period has lapsed
Employees who have flu like symptoms or have been exposed to someone who have flu like symptoms are requested to stay at home to recover and monitor themselves carefully
Team members who have flu like symptoms or taking care of someone who have flu like symptoms are reminded to wear a mask to avoid spreading the virus
If a staff member suspects they have Covid-19 Symptoms, they should contact Health Link at 811 to obtain professional advice and testing if deemed necessary

Our company representative will contact the customer before starting the project to ensure a safe environment for our workers:

If the customer has travelled outside the country within the last 14 days, we will reschedule the job after they have completed the quarantine period
We will reschedule the job start date if any person in the household is displaying flu like symptoms

We will continue to monitor this situation closely and will ensure that all policies and preventive measures are adhered to. We also would like to encourage you to be up to date with COVID-19 pandemic by visiting the Health Canada’s website and watching the daily news.

If you have queries and concerns regarding the above practice, please feel free to contact us at 778.855.0513 or send an email to [email protected]. Be assured that we will continue to be at our best in providing a safe and healthy work environment.

Thank you.

Burnaby Blacktop Ltd.

5 Reasons Why Your Pavement Is Cracked