Nothing will finish off your commercial property than a beautifully, fresh paved parking lot. This large investment is one that you want to protect as much as possible. One thing that will be the demise of your asphalt is cracking. You want to avoid asphalt cracks any way that you can. To avoid cracks, you first have to know how they form in the first place. Andersen Asphalt & Striping is here to talk about some of the most common reasons asphalt cracks form.

The Most Common Causes for Asphalt Cracks

There are several factors that can all play a role in asphalt cracks. Some of them are avoidable and you should try your best to eliminate them to avoid this costly issue.
– Weather: The number one cause of asphalt cracks has to be the weather. The freeze/thaw effect of the weather as well as moisture, will do a number on your asphalt. You don’t want moisture to sit on top of your asphalt as this can cause the materials to start to break down and crack.
– Heavy Traffic: If your commercial parking lot sees a lot of heavy traffic, you wouldn’t be alone. There are often semi-trucks that have to deliver these heavy loads to businesses and end up causing some damage to asphalt parking lots. This excessive pressure can cause the asphalt to weaken the structure of the pavement sub base and cause cracking.
– Installation Issues: Another big one is installation. The installation of your asphalt parking lot is essential in the longevity of the parking lot. If the installation isn’t done properly, you can run into serious issues down the line that will result in problems like excessive cracking.
– Drainage Issues: Something that needs to be addressed with your parking lot is drainage. Water is going to do a number on your asphalt parking lot. The sand, gravel and other aggregates that make up your asphalt can be destroyed by standing water or poor drainage for your asphalt parking lot.
– Aging: As asphalt gets older, it is going to be more prone to cracking. While it is incredibly durable and the best choice for your parking lot, it is still going to require maintenance to get as many years as possible out of the asphalt surface. Over the years, oxidation and persistent usage will make it more prone to cracking.

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

One of the best ways to avoid cracking and extend the life of your asphalt parking lot is sealcoating services. This provides protection from the elements and helps to keep your parking lot pristine. You can turn to Andersen Asphalt & Striping to take care of your asphalt installation and maintenance needs to help preserve your asphalt for as many years as is possible. If you notice that your asphalt is starting to show signs of damage, you can turn to us to repair or replace it. Call us today!