IF YOU SEE THESE 5 SIGNS - IT’S NOT TOO LATE! REPLACE YOUR BUSINESSES’ ASPHALT DRIVEWAY TODAY!

Your driveway is one of the first things your customer sees when they visit your business, so you need it to make a good impression. As a business owner, you know if you have a cracked, uneven driveway, this can give your customer a negative impression of your business or even cost you the customer!

When properly cared for and resealed every two to three years, asphalt can last for about 15 to 20 years. Still, no matter how often you maintain your asphalt, you cannot prevent freezing temperatures, ground movement, stubborn plants, or other conditions that affect your driveway. For these reasons, you need the commercial paving experts at Lyons & Hohl Paving.

Your asphalt driveway is not immune to damages. At Lyons & Hohl, we want your customers to see a beautiful driveway as they approach your business, not a cracked asphalt mosaic. From cracks to potholes, several things can not only damage the aesthetic appeal of your driveway but also damage its structural integrity.

1. Are There Cracks In Your Driveway?

Every business owner, especially those that live in areas with freezing temperatures, is familiar with cracks in their asphalt driveways. The winter months are harshest on asphalt, as the ice regularly freezing and then thawing creates cracks and divisions in the driveway. A few small cracks might be fixable with a patch, but eventually, those cracks might expand and cause more significant problems.

There are several types of cracks to look out for:

• Longitudinal cracks run the length of the paved area

• Transverse cracks that go across the driveway

• Alligator cracks are a series of overlapping cracks that resemble the scales on an alligator or other reptile. These cracks are hazardous because large chunks of the driveway can come loose and form potholes quickly after alligator cracks begin to form. These cracks indicate that the base underneath the asphalt is unsupported.

Address cracks in your driveway immediately, as leaving them unattended can cause more problems down the line. Major cracks are a sign your driveway or pavement may need replacing. Keeping an eye out through regular visual inspections will help you stay on top of your asphalt maintenance. If you need commercial paving experts to come to assess your situation, contact us today to get a free quote!

2. Do You See Holes Forming?

Potholes are usually an extension of cracks. When cracks have gone unnoticed or ignored, they tend to expand. Sometimes they expand lengthwise; other times they get wider and become problematic potholes. Depending on their size, these holes can further damage the structure of the driveway.

Potholes are not just bad for your pavement; they are dangerous for your customers and their vehicles. Hitting a pothole can damage vehicles, and in areas of lower visibility or at night, potholes become tripping hazards for your customers. When potholes become too large, it is time to replace your driveway entirely because they are an even more significant indicator that the support below the asphalt is compromised.

3. Is There Any Standing Water on Your Driveway or Parking Lot?

If you see standing water on your driveway at any point, it indicates there is a problem with drainage. Asphalt will develop small pockets or depressions over time due to regular use. When that happens, water can settle there.

Unfortunately, standing water can further damage your driveway, especially if there are cracks nearby. It creates a cycle of damage where the water gets in, freezes, and expands, and thus makes room for more water to get into the asphalt and cause further damage.

When done correctly, an asphalt driveway should have a bit of a slope to it to encourage water runoff. If you see standing water in your driveway, it is a good idea to have your driveway looked over to determine the steps to restore proper drainage.

4. Does Your Driveway Have Raveling?

Raveling occurs when the materials used to make your asphalt come loose from their binder or tar and begin to form pits, chips, or loose pieces of asphalt. Commercial paving experts can quickly remedy this situation. However, your asphalt will eventually become uneven and bumpy to drive on if left unaddressed. Raveling can also lead to more dramatic crumbling across the asphalt.

At the first signs of reveling, you should have your pavement assessed by a paving contractor. When addressed quickly enough, we can prevent damage through the identification of the root of the problem. Contact us today to get a free quote from commercial paving experts.

5. Is Your Driveway Faded?

Fading, also known as sun bleaching, is caused by direct contact with UV rays. You can have your asphalt resealed every few years to slow the fading process, but eventually, the sun damage will cause some deterioration. UV rays can weaken the bonding that holds the asphalt together, and over time, the driveway will lose its durability and begin to ravel or form cracks.

The process of deterioration from fading is an inevitable part of pavement’s lifecycle, even if you, as the business owner, are taking steps to maintain it regularly. That’s why we offer services like commercial repaving, repairing, and replacing so your driveway is always in peak condition for your customers.

Turn to Commercial Paving Experts to Replace Your Asphalt Driveway

Commercial driveways endure a lot of traffic each day. Whether it be damage from direct UV rays or chemicals from leaky car fluids, your driveway handles a lot more surface distress than you think. When you need a new commercial asphalt driveway or parking lot, Lyons & Hohl are ready to bring their asphalt experience to your business. Get a free quote today!