After a winter that seemed like it would never end, we are finally in the warm-weather months, and if you ask me, it’s not a moment too soon!

As you walk around your property to assess the damage that snow and ice caused, be sure to take a look at any surfaces paved with asphalt. Even the most well-maintained asphalt can develop cracks due to a variety of factors. Weather is one; traffic and age are others. These cracks don’t always require a full overhaul of the surface. In many cases, patching the cracks and adding a thin layer of fresh asphalt can offer a practical, cost-effective solution that restores the integrity of the surface.

Common Types of Asphalt Cracks

Understanding the different types of asphalt cracks and how to address them is key to ensuring the longevity and functionality of your paved areas. Asphalt cracks typically fall into one of several categories; the most common include:

Alligator (or Fatigue) Cracking
Alligator cracking gets its name from the pattern it forms, which resembles the scales of an alligator’s skin. It typically develops due to structural issues beneath the asphalt surface, such as a weakened base or subgrade, or poor drainage. Heavy traffic loads are also a contributing factor. The cracks are usually interconnected and can cover a wide area. Depending on severity, the repair could range from patching to full resurfacing.
Longitudinal Cracking
Longitudinal cracks run parallel to the direction of traffic and are commonly found along the centerline or edges of a driveway or parking lot. Causes include poor construction, moisture infiltration, or excessive wear over time. If caught early, longitudinal cracks can often be repaired by filling and sealing them.
Transverse Cracking
Transverse cracks run perpendicular to the direction of traffic and often form due to temperature fluctuations, freeze-thaw cycles, or the natural aging of the asphalt. While a nuisance, they are usually manageable and can be sealed or patched without significant disruption.
Edge Cracking
Edge cracks appear along the outer edges of paved surfaces and are often the result of poor drainage, vegetation growth, the effects of traffic, and the expansion and contraction that comes with seasonal changes. Edge cracking can often be repaired by filling the cracks and ensuring proper drainage to prevent further damage.
Potholes
Potholes are essentially large, deep holes that form when cracks in the asphalt allow water to seep underneath the surface. The water weakens the base material, causing the surface to collapse. They are usually filled with a patching material and resurfaced.

The Importance of Timely Crack Repair

Cracks in your asphalt are more than just an aesthetic issue. If left untreated, they can worsen over time, allowing water to seep beneath the surface and cause further structural damage. This is especially true during freeze-thaw cycles, when minor cracks turn into significant structural issues.

By addressing cracks early, you can prevent the need for more extensive and costly repairs, such as complete resurfacing or re-paving, and extend the lifespan of your asphalt without breaking the bank.

Patching and Resurfacing: The Economical Solution

Rather than tearing out and redoing an entire driveway or parking lot, patching the cracks and adding a thin layer of new asphalt is often the most cost-effective and efficient solution. Here’s why:

Cost-Effective
Repairing cracks and adding a new layer of asphalt (often referred to as “resurfacing” or “overlaying”) is considerably less expensive than a full replacement. The costs associated with tearing out and replacing an entire surface can quickly add up, especially when you factor in labor, materials, and disposal of the old asphalt.
Minimal Disruption
Resurfacing is a less invasive option compared to complete repaving. The process typically involves cleaning and preparing the existing asphalt, filling cracks, and applying a thin layer of fresh asphalt. This minimizes disruption to daily activities, making it an ideal choice for businesses or homeowners who rely on their parking lots and driveways.
Preserving the Foundation
When cracks are repaired and a thin layer of new asphalt is added, the integrity of the base layer is preserved and the lifespan of the surface prolonged. Over time, resurfacing may be required again, but it’s a much more sustainable option than starting from scratch.
Enhanced Appearance and Protection
Patching cracks and resurfacing not only improves the functionality of the surface but also restores its aesthetic appeal. A freshly paved layer provides a smooth, uniform look, improving curb appeal and creating a safer, more enjoyable environment for pedestrians and vehicles.

Saving Money and Extending the Life of a Paved Surface

Cracks in asphalt surfaces are inevitable, but they don’t always signal the need for an expensive and time-consuming full replacement. Crack filling and resurfacing is, in many cases, the most practical, durable, and economical choice. With the right care and attention, your asphalt surfaces can continue to serve you for many years to come.