As you use your driveway every day, you may slowly begin to notice a number of cracks and potholes forming in the surface. When exposed to the elements, especially during the cold winter months, asphalt may begin to crack. Once water has frozen inside a surface crack, it will expand the damage, eventually causing severe issues. With proper maintenance and repairs, however, you can keep your asphalt surface for as many as 20 years. However, as with all things, you will eventually need to replace your driveway paving with new asphalt. To avoid doing it too soon or too late, you can take time to look for certain signs of trouble.
Cracks
Sometimes called “alligator cracks,” asphalt driveway paving in Toledo, OH may begin to show cracks in a pattern similar to the scales of an alligator’s skin. Take a closer look at the pattern of cracks on the surface of your driveway to see if they follow this unusual pattern. If they do, even if just in a small area, you should not ignore this problem. This will only spread to the rest of your asphalt and decrease the integrity of the structure. For this reason, you should consider calling a reliable Toledo driveway paving company to help you with the replacement. They understand that this is a large undertaking and they work to reduce costs wherever possible.
Potholes
Most commonly caused by a combination of repeated use and cycling through the liquid and solid phases, potholes are a serious problem. Smaller potholes may be fixed through repair and maintenance services but new driveway paving may be required if you allow your potholes to increase in number or size. Large potholes pose a threat to vehicles and they may cause personal injury to your family members or guests if they make a wrong step. To protect yourself, your guests, and your vehicle, you need to consider replacing your asphalt.
