How to Tell When It’s Time for Asphalt Driveway Repair in Nashville, TN

September 18, 2019

You walk on it, drive on it and park your vehicles on it, and debris falls on it—we’re talking about your asphalt driveway. Residential and commercial driveways are built solid so they can stand up to daily use and abuse and whatever the weather throws at them. So it should come as no surprise if, after a number of years, your asphalt pavement is starting to show signs of wear and tear. A crack here, a pit there—should you fix these problem areas or replace the entire driveway? A good rule of thumb is to fix minor issues, but always make repairs right away before they turn into something major.

The truth is, not all driveway problems can or should be repaired. Sometimes replacing the entire surface is the most viable option. But which route should you take? Here’s how to tell when it’s time to focus your attention on asphalt driveway repair in Nashville, TN:

  • Standing water: Pooling water anywhere around your property is a sign of a drainage problem. With that in mind, never ignore standing water on your driveway. Driveways are usually installed on some sort of slope to accommodate water runoff, or surrounded by a drainage system if no slope exists. The main concern of pooling water is moisture getting into the driveway through cracks and pits, which can cause structural damage. A lack of drainage or the inability to remedy standing water may result in the need for driveway replacement.
  • Loose gravel: The asphalt used for driveways is a combination of binder and aggregate. Over time and with regular use, the aggregate can loosen from the binder, and you’ll begin to see loose pieces of gravel or pitting on the surface of your driveway. Take control of this problem quickly to avoid losing larger pieces of asphalt.
  • Cracks: Minor cracks may be filled to prevent further splitting, but ignoring this problem can lead to the development of alligator cracks. These are cracks that overlap and resemble alligator skin. This problem divides the pavement into a collection of small, broken sections. Another crack issue is the presence of multiple fractures. The most common are longitudinal cracks that run lengthwise, and transverse cracks that run across.
  • Potholes and missing pieces: Too many alligator cracks may call for driveway replacement, but you can try making repairs first. However, don’t wait too long, because these cracked pieces may break away from your driveway, leaving potholes in their wake.
  • Age: Asphalt driveways that were properly installed from the beginning can last years—often 10 to 20 years or more—but no asphalt surface will last forever. Old age is characterized by lines of cracks, alligator cracks, crumbling edges and faded surface coloring from exposure to sunlight. If all these signs are present, and resurfacing and repairs have become futile, it’s time to pull up the old materials and lay down fresh asphalt.

If you would like more information about asphalt driveway resurfacing in Nashville, TN, the knowledgeable team at RoadBuilders can help. Call today to schedule a consultation!

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