Asphalt is an attractive and affordable option for paving driveways, parking lots, and more. Sometimes, however, it develops cracks and other premature deterioration. If you have or are considering asphalt paving, you may wonder where these cracks come from and what you can do about them. Here’s a look at what causes cracked asphalt:

4 Things That Make Cracked Asphalt

– Moisture Damage

Water is one of the main culprits behind asphalt repairs in Calgary. It attacks from below by washing away the sand and gravel base as well as from above by working its way into any little crevice and exerting pressure. This is particularly problematic during winter when the water freezes and thaws in those spaces, causing them to expand.

– Sun Damage Contributes to Cracked Asphalt

As the sun beats down, it creates heat and breaks up the substances in asphalt. It also dries up the surface which causes the asphalt to deteriorate more quickly and require asphalt repairs in Calgary. As the sun weakens the asphalt, normal conditions like vehicle and foot traffic can cause cracking.

– Ground Movements Lead to Asphalt Damage

The ground shifts all the time as conditions change. An asphalt paving company installs asphalt on a bed of gravel. As the ground shifts, the gravel also shifts and puts pressure on the asphalt above. This often causes cracks to appear.

– Older Asphalt is More Prone to Cracking

Age is also a factor because cracks are more common in older asphalt. This is partly due to longer exposure to the above factors and partly because asphalt loses flexibility as it ages, which increases the need for asphalt repairs in Calgary.

Although you can’t avoid these factors, proper maintenance by a Calgary asphalt paving company helps asphalt withstand the assault. Sealing and prompt repairs helps minimize cracking and help your asphalt last longer.

Economy Paving is your trusted Calgary paving project partner. Working with municipal, commercial and residential customers, we provide complete solutions for driveways & parking lots, roadways, infrastructure projects, and more. If you’re searching for reliable Calgary concrete contractors, call us at 403-278-7727 or email us at [email protected].

Trying to decide between concrete and asphalt for your next paving project? Both materials offer advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation. Here’s a look at asphalt versus concrete paving to help you decide.

The Climate for Calgary Paving

One factor that’s often overlooked when choosing a paving material is the climate. Asphalt is a better choice for areas with cold, harsh winters because it isn’t affected by cold and doesn’t break down from salt. This results in fewer asphalt repairs in Calgary. Concrete, on the other hand, deteriorates more quickly with salt use and as it expands and contracts with freeze/thaw cycles. Asphalt also helps snow and ice melt more quickly because it absorbs more heat from the sun. In warmer climates, concrete is a better choice. In areas with hot summer temperatures asphalt can get very hot; it also softens and gets oily in high temperatures.

The Environmental Impact of Asphalt Paving Companies in Calgary

Asphalt is considered an environmentally-friendly paving material because it is recyclable. Grinding up asphalt makes it usable again. Certain kinds of asphalt from asphalt paving companies in Calgary are also porous enough that water can percolate through them to the soil below.

The Ease of Installation and Asphalt Repairs in Calgary

Asphalt is faster and easier to install than concrete, and it usually costs less. Preventative maintenance is a little more involved with asphalt, but this helps it last and look like new longer. Asphalt repairs in Calgary are usually easier than concrete repairs because only the top layer needs to be repaved.

There are a number of things to consider when choosing a paving material. The above information can help you decide whether asphalt or concrete is right for you but talk with asphalt paving companies in Calgary if you still have questions.

Economy Paving is your trusted Calgary paving project partner. Working with municipal, commercial and residential customers, we provide complete solutions for driveways & parking lots, roadways, infrastructure projects, and more. If you’re searching for reliable Calgary concrete contractors, call us at 403-278-7727 or email us at [email protected].