Understanding Common Pavement Conditions

As experts in the field, we recognize the common challenges that asphalt surfaces face over time. From unsightly cracks and potholes to the gradual wear and tear of the pavement, these issues can compromise both aesthetics and functionality. Fear not, as we bring forth tailored solutions to address these concerns head-on. Join us on a journey to explore the common asphalt problems and discover the effective, lasting solutions that Dominion Paving & Sealing offers for a resilient and visually appealing pavement. Your smooth path begins here!

Raveling: The on-going separation of the aggregate particles from the pavements surface.

Cause: Ultra-violet rays oxidize pavement’s binder, cause aggregate to separate from pavement.
Repair: Sealcoating will prevent raveling
Prevention: Application of sealer after new asphalt has cured

Gas & Oil Stains: Unsightly stains that weaken the surface.

Cause: Oil dripping from vehicles, overfilling of fuel tanks
Repair: Depending on the severity, patching or the application of special bonding primer prior to sealcoating. Prevention: Sealcoat with gas and oil resistant sealer as quickly as possible after new asphalt has been laid.

Alligator Cracks: A series of small blocks, resembling alligator skin or chicken wire, formed by interconnecting cracks.

Cause: Stress results in pavement movement.
Repair: Patching Prevention: Proper pavement installation, timely crack filling, seal-coating

Potholes: Bowl-shaped holes of various sizes

Cause: Poor drainage, insufficient pavement thickness, negligence of crack sealing and sealing.
Repair: Full-depth patching
Prevention: proper construction, timely crack sealing, sealcoating

Polished Aggregate: Aggregate in pavement has been smoothed resulting in slick unsafe surfaces.

Cause: Repeated traffic polishes / repairs
Repair: Use a special bonding primer to gain adhesion & sealcoat
Prevention: sealcoating

Shrinkage Cracks: Interconnected cracks that form a series of large irregular blocks, usually having sharp angles at the corners.

Cause: Shrinkage of asphalt mix due to oxidation, with resulting loss of flexibility
Repair: Seal cracks and sealcoat
Prevention: Application of sealer after new asphalt has cured

Grade Depressions: localized low areas that are limited in size, often indicated by standing water.

Cause: Traffic may be heavier than the pavement was designed for, or a localized subsurface drainage problem may exist.
Repair: Based on filed inspection, either correct drainage problem, and repair pavement, or correct grade by localized leveling.
Prevention: Proper pavement design and construction with emphasis on traffic load and drainage.

Longitudinal Cracks: Cracks spaced event apart and fairly parallel

Cause: Weak or weathered joints between paving lanes, also extreme pavement temperature changes. Repair: seal cracks
Prevention: sealcoat with highly rubberized sealer

Corrugation or Rutting: A fairly regular pattern of wave-like bumps

Cause: Lack of stability in asphalt layer
Repair: Removal and placement of pavement
Prevention: proper pavement design and construction

Reflection Cracks: Surface crack in new surface overlay

Cause: Movement of pavement below the surface layer
Repair: Seal crack
Prevention: Use a pavement reinforcing fabric prior to resurfacing