During periods of rain you may have noticed puddles forming on the asphalt in parking lots. Most people don’t think much about puddles on asphalt as it is a common sight. However, puddling on asphalt is a sign of drainage problems, sub-base problems or it is due to asphalt compaction. Andersen Asphalt & Striping would like to share what causes puddling and why asphalt puddles need to be repaired.
What Causes Puddles on Asphalt?
Most people assume asphalt puddling is caused by cars and everyday traffic. To a certain degree, this is true as stationary weight for long periods of time will cause depressions in the asphalt. One of the major benefits of using asphalt for parking lots is that asphalt is flexible, which reduces cracks, heaving, and deteriorating. Since asphalt is flexible, stationary weight will lead to depressions and when it rains, the depressions will fill up with water. Those depressions within the asphalt is known as rutting. However, puddles may also be due to grade depression as well, which is a different problem.
Rutting and Grade Depressions in Asphalt Driveways
Rutting can be caused by a number of different reasons. As mentioned, rutting can be caused by longer periods of weight on top of the asphalt. However, it is not just a vehicle or piece of heavy equipment’s weight that will cause the depression. Often heat is also required. During the hot summer months, the temperature can become high enough to soften the asphalt and when there is weight setting on the asphalt, you will get rutting. Grade depression, as well as rutting, can be the result of poor compaction during the installation process. When installing asphalt, compaction is essential to make a strong and durable parking lot. When the asphalt is not properly compacted, the asphalt is weak and will grade faster. The areas where the asphalt was not properly compacted will lead to grade depressions.
How Do You Fix Depressions & Rutting
Puddling on the asphalt is never good and will lead to leaks the will saturate the sub base of the asphalt. Puddling greatly reduces the life of the asphalt parking lot. When puddling occurs, you will want to have the rutting or grade depressions repaired. There are a few way to repair ratting and grade depressions. The method often depends on the asphalt’s condition and pitch. One method may be to mill about an eight foot strip all along the walkway, then apply an adhesive coat, as well as a new layer of asphalt. This method involves more work and is a bit more expensive. However, this method will prolong the life of the asphalt. Another repair option will be to seal coat the parking lot and use infrared heat patch in the areas where there are depressions.
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
Most people never think that a simple puddle on the asphalt is a big deal and in some case they may not pose a major threat. However, puddling can be a sign of a major problem when it comes to the longevity of the asphalt. When you have puddle or asphalt rutting or grade depressions that require repair, contact Andersen Asphalt & Striping today.
