4 Types Of Asphalt Pavement Cracks To Expect After Winters 

Page 4 – Picketts Paving LLC
February 23, 2022 at 6:05 PM

Your asphalt pavement has been through a few months of snow and ice, and it will now start melting soon. As you walk along your sidewalks or roads, you notice cracks in the pavement!

In this article, Picket’s Paving LLC will discuss a few types of Asphalt Pavement Cracks and how they may be problematic.

First, let’s explain what type of material asphalt is: a combination of rock (aggregate), sand, binder, and water. When these components are combined on a hot day and then cooled overnight by the freezing temperatures, stress builds up throughout the substrate resulting in cracking as more moderate temperatures cause expansion & contraction from freezing & thawing.

Longitudinal Cracks

Longitudinal cracks are the most common type of asphalt cracking. As we mentioned before, when stress builds up in the substrate due to extreme temperature changes, it will result in longitudinal cracks across the pavement. These are typically found close to your driveway or road’s joint.

Longitudinal cracks are often only cosmetic damage and are not dangerous to the structural integrity of your asphalt pavement. To fix longitudinal cracks, you should use a cold-patch material often mixed with an adhesive to help keep the material stick in place. This fix should only be applied during warm weather.

Transverse Cracks

Transverse cracks occur when too much distress in the asphalt, causing it to crack. This type of damage occurs typically near holes, utility covers, and catch basins. These areas are subject to heavy loads during the winter months due to snow plows pushing snow banks over them.

This type of cracking should be fixed immediately because it can lead to potholes if not attended for too long. For small areas, or to prevent it from worsening, you can use an elastomeric sealant to stop the crack from spreading further.

Fault Line Cracks

These cracks are caused by a process known as aggregate shrinkage. Aggregate is the material that makes up asphalt, and during winter months, it contracts due to cold temperatures. When this happens, a fault line forms, causing the crack. This type of damage should be fixed immediately by excavating the area, replacing or adding new pavement then compacting with special equipment designed for compaction.

Rutting

Rutting is one of the most common forms of distress in high-use pavements. It occurs when soil and stones on top of asphalt paving separate and push up against and underneath the road surface leading to a rippled effect over time as more and more rocks are pushed up.

Rut depth is one of the most critical factors in determining pavement condition. If left untreated, it can lead to longitudinal or transverse cracking, which will reduce your road’s structural integrity over time!

All the cracks should be treated immediately before any significant damage occurs.

If you’re looking for a service to help you repair your asphalt pavement in Tomah, WI, give Pickett’s Paving LLC a call! Get a free quote now!

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