Asphalt repair is an important part of maintaining driveways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces. Cracks, potholes, and localized deterioration can affect the condition and appearance of asphalt when they are left unaddressed. Understanding common signs of damage and the available repair and maintenance services can help property owners make informed decisions about their pavement.

The Common Causes of Asphalt Damage

Identify Common Asphalt Damage

Asphalt surfaces can develop visible problems such as cracks, potholes, and deteriorated sections that require attention. Cracks can allow water to reach areas beneath the pavement, while potholes and damaged sections can affect the condition and appearance of the surface. Identifying these issues early can help property owners determine when asphalt repair or maintenance may be appropriate.

Different types of damage may call for different repair services. Crack filling can address cracks before they become more extensive, while asphalt patching and pothole repair can address localized areas of deterioration. Infrared asphalt repair is another option for certain damaged areas, so considering the condition of the pavement can help determine which approach may be appropriate.

Consider Common Causes

Weather exposure, water, regular use, and a lack of maintenance can all contribute to changes in the condition of asphalt. Rain and other moisture can affect damaged pavement, while repeated exposure to the elements can contribute to surface deterioration. Regular maintenance can help property owners identify problems and address them as they develop.

Spot Early Signs

Early attention to asphalt damage can help property owners address problems before they become more extensive. Cracks, potholes, deteriorated sections, and other visible changes can indicate that maintenance or repair is needed. Regularly looking over driveways and parking areas can help identify areas that may benefit from professional attention.

Property owners can also watch for changes in the condition and appearance of their asphalt. Crack filling can address cracks, while pothole repair and asphalt patching can address localized deterioration. Depending on the condition of the pavement, infrared asphalt repair may also be an appropriate option.

Account for Weather

Weather conditions can affect asphalt over time. Exposure to rain, sunlight, temperature changes, and seasonal conditions can contribute to cracking and other forms of deterioration. Maintaining the pavement can help property owners address damage associated with ongoing exposure.

Sealcoating provides a protective treatment for asphalt surfaces and can help maintain the pavement against exposure and wear. Regular maintenance can also address cracks and other damage before they become more extensive. Depending on the condition of the pavement, services such as crack filling, pothole repair, asphalt patching, and infrared asphalt repair can address existing problems.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, adding about 1,500 jobs. This information provides context about employment within the paving and surfacing field. It does not change the specific maintenance needs of an individual driveway or parking lot.

The Initial Preparation for Asphalt Repair

Assess the Pavement Condition

Before determining what asphalt maintenance or repair may be appropriate, consider the condition of the paved surface. Visible cracks, potholes, deteriorated sections, and other damage can help identify areas that may need attention. Looking at the overall condition of the pavement can also help property owners recognize when maintenance is needed.

Consider Available Services

Asphalt damage can vary from cracks and potholes to larger areas of localized deterioration. Considering the condition and location of the damage can help determine which repair service may be appropriate. Property owners can also consider whether the paved area needs additional maintenance beyond addressing visible damage.

Crack filling can address cracks in the asphalt, while patching and pothole repair can address damaged sections. Infrared asphalt repair provides another option for certain pavement repair needs. Sealcoating can also be considered when the pavement needs ongoing protective maintenance.

Commercial properties may have additional pavement maintenance needs, including parking lot line striping and pavement markings. Clearly defined markings can help organize parking areas and designate different spaces or traffic areas. Considering the property's pavement needs can help create a more complete maintenance approach.

Plan Your Maintenance

Preparing for asphalt maintenance starts with identifying the areas that need attention and determining which services may be appropriate. Property owners can consider whether their pavement has cracks, potholes, localized damage, or other visible concerns. This initial assessment can help organize repair and maintenance priorities.

Available repair services include crack filling, pothole repair, asphalt patching, and infrared asphalt repair. Sealcoating can also be considered when pavement needs ongoing protective maintenance. Commercial properties may additionally need parking lot line striping or other pavement markings.

The Appropriate Selection of Repair

Use Asphalt Patching

Asphalt patching can address localized areas of pavement damage. It is one of the available repair services for asphalt surfaces that have deteriorated in specific areas. Patching can be used alongside other maintenance services when a paved surface has multiple types of damage.

Repair Potholes

Potholes can create visible areas of deterioration in asphalt driveways and parking lots. Addressing potholes as part of regular pavement maintenance can help property owners maintain the condition of their paved surfaces. Prompt attention can also help keep visible pavement damage from being left unaddressed.

Pothole repair is available for localized pavement damage, while asphalt patching can address other deteriorated sections. Evaluating the condition of the surrounding asphalt can help determine whether additional maintenance, such as crack filling or sealcoating, is also appropriate. Considering the full pavement area can help property owners identify other maintenance needs at the same time.

Fill Asphalt Cracks

Cracks are a common form of asphalt damage and can allow moisture to reach the pavement. Crack filling provides a way to address these openings as part of an asphalt maintenance plan. Property owners can consider this service when visible cracks develop in a driveway or parking lot.

Property owners can consider crack filling when visible cracks develop in a driveway or parking lot. Combining crack repair with other appropriate maintenance services can help address different areas of pavement wear. Sealcoating can also provide protective maintenance for asphalt surfaces when appropriate.

The Ongoing Maintenance of Residential and Commercial Asphalt

Protect Driveways With Sealcoating

Sealcoating is an important asphalt maintenance service for residential driveways. Applying a protective treatment can help maintain the condition and appearance of the pavement while addressing the ongoing effects of exposure and everyday use. Regular attention to the driveway can also help identify areas that need repair.

Maintain Commercial Parking Lots

Commercial parking lots can benefit from ongoing asphalt maintenance that addresses both pavement condition and appearance. Parking lot sealcoating provides protective maintenance, while crack filling, pothole repair, asphalt patching, and infrared asphalt repair can address different types of pavement damage. Regular attention can help property owners identify maintenance needs as they arise.

Commercial properties may also require line striping and pavement markings. Clearly defined parking spaces, directional markings, crosswalks, accessible parking markings, safety lines, and other pavement markings can help organize a parking area and maintain its appearance. These services can be considered alongside other parking lot maintenance needs.

Repair Catch Basins

Catch basins are another consideration when maintaining paved areas. Damaged or deteriorating catch basins can affect drainage around asphalt surfaces. Catch basin repair can address issues such as deteriorating components, damaged grates, and drainage concerns associated with the catch basin.

Successful asphalt maintenance starts with recognizing damage and choosing the right services for the pavement's condition. From crack filling and pothole repair to sealcoating, infrared asphalt repair, catch basin repair, and pavement marking, the right maintenance can help keep residential driveways and commercial parking lots in good condition. Learn more about how Badgerland Sealing can help maintain your paved surfaces.