Paving Maintenance Information

Learn About the Importance of Asphalt Maintenance

At ANM Construction & Engineering, we know how important it is to maintain any asphalt paved surface. Asphalt is a mixture of asphalt cement mixed with an aggregate of various sizes of crushed rock. It must be applied to the surface and completely compacted and smoothed before it cools below 175°F, at which point it becomes hard.

Asphalt paved surfaces are subject to abuse from traffic, sunlight, water, oils and other damaging effects. It deteriorates shortly after it's applied from beneath and from above.

Water is one of the main enemies of asphalt. Cracks may begin to appear which allow more water to penetrate the surface, eventually causing potholes. Asphalt requires maintenance and care to reach maximum life.

We'll make sure that your site is correctly graded, drained and seal coated at installation to reduce pockets where water can collect and deteriorate the surface or substrate. Sealcoating will extend the life of any asphalt surface to prevent oil and gas dripping, oxidation and water penetration.

We recommend maintenance every few years depending on climate, use and other factors. Let us help to save you thousands of dollars over the life of your valuable paved surface. Request a FREE quote today.

What Damages Asphalt?

• UV rays from the sun
• Weather
• Grass
• Traffic
• Oil drippings
• And more!

Find Out What Asphalt is Made From

Asphalt is made from rock, sand and liquid asphalt binder that glue the rock and sand together. The rock and sand give asphalt its strength which is great for high-traffic areas. The liquid asphalt binder is a liquid component that gives asphalt its durability and flexibility, holding everything together.

Over time, asphalt dries out and loses its flexible properties. The sun cooks or dries the liquids out of the hot mix asphalt surface. This progression does not happen overnight. When asphalt is first applied, it looks black. Over time it turns gray in color. This graying process is called oxidization.

Asphalt liquids cook out slowly leaving dried out, gray, asphalt pavement. Before an asphalt surface starts to look gray, it should be seal coated to protect the pavement and increase its lifespan. Rock isn't very flexible. Once the liquids are dried out, the asphalt will begin to crack.

Without asphalt maintenance, small cracks become large cracks and eventually large cracks become potholes. In severe cases, the area may need to be replaced long before its normal lifespan estimated to be about 40 years.