What Causes Asphalt Bleeding in Pavement & How to Fix it in Summerlin, NV; High Traffic, Sunlight & More

There are many problems that can develop on asphalt over time and use. Most are easy to pick out, but there are some conditions to the asphalt that may not be especially noticeable. Asphalt bleeding is a condition that can occur, and sometimes it is not always obvious. Bleeding is a less well known and less reported condition of distressed asphalt pavement, unlike potholes or asphalt cracking that motorists can immediately recognize. When it comes to bleeding, it can still present a serious hazard in many scenarios. As a result, it is critical that once bleeding is noticed, it needs to be corrected as soon as possible. Today, we at Andersen Asphalt & Striping would like to take the opportunity to discuss the basics of asphalt bleeding so you can better identify the event and know what steps to take.

Basics of Asphalt Bleeding

Usually appearing during hot weather, asphalt bleeding, also called flushing, looks like a thin film of shiny, reflective liquid or oil on the asphalt surface. Though it kind of looks a lot like the asphalt is wet or somewhat similarly to someone spilling motor oil on it, in actuality the liquid is made of asphalt binding agents that have bled to the pavement’s surface. Being rather extremely reflective at night, this bleeding can reduce vehicle traction and impact driver visibility on the road, and if it occurs, it should be removed.

Causes of Asphalt Bleeding in Pavement

Due to traffic activity, or heated because of the sunlight and hot conditions, the asphalt is compacted, and before working its way out to the top in oil form, it can cause the oil-based binder to liquefy and run through the tiny pockets or voids in the pavement. Causing the binding agents to build up over time, once the binding agent gets to the top it won’t reabsorb. Tragically, a poor asphalt mix or manufacturing and/ or installation problems can also be the cause of excessive bleeding.

How to Fix Asphalt Bleeding

There is not a way to easily correct the underlying issue if in the event an area of pavement is prone to bleeding. Generally, the bleeding will usually slow over time. The asphalt bleeding can be improved by pouring down sand to sop it up, by doing this, you can absorb the excess binding agents. The pavement can be graded or planed to remove the top layer of original asphalt before the old surface is resurfaced and smoothed in more severe cases of asphalt bleeding.

Asphalt Parking Lot & Road Pavement Resurfacing, Replacement & More in Reno, Elko, Henderson, North LV, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Las Vegas, NV | State of Nevada

When it comes to asphalt installation, maintenance, and repair services in Nevada, you can count on the experts of Andersen Asphalt & Striping. We ensure the services are executed with quality and long-term results. Our team of certified experts have the training and experience to ensure parking lots and roads are efficiently services accordingly. Our experts use state-of-the-art equipment and premium products to produce superior workmanship. Call Andersen Asphalt & Striping and let us help you with repairs, maintenance or asphalt installations.

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