Asphalt pavement is durable and long-lasting, but any material that sees heavy use will eventually develop some wear and tear. Different types of failure in asphalt driveways, roads, and parking lots will create unique damage patterns. Learning to recognize these patterns will help you understand what has gone wrong with the pavement at your home or business. This guide will introduce you to four common types of asphalt pavement damage.

1. Cracks

Cracks are usually the first type of pavement damage that comes to mind. There are several categories of pavement cracks, three of the most common being block cracks, linear cracks, and fatigue cracks. Block cracks appear in square or circular shapes when low-quality surface mix is used during installation. Linear cracks run along pavement joints and may be caused by soil shrinkage or large temperature fluctuations between day and night.

Fatigue cracks are also called "alligator cracks" because of their resemblance to the scaly skin of these creatures. Fatigue cracks are characteristic of sidewalks that have failed under the weight of their load. This may happen because the pavement was used for loads that were simply too heavy or because of an error during installation. Paving contractors can determine the most effective sealant, patch, or other repair option for cracked asphalt pavement.

2. Potholes

Potholes are age-old enemies of motorists everywhere. A study by AAA found that vehicle damage from potholes costs U.S. drivers approximately $3 billion per year in repairs. Potholes develop over time when cracks in asphalt pavement are left without repair. Moisture that seeps into pavement cracks will undergo a cycle of freezing and thawing until a chunk of the pavement becomes dislodged completely.

Potholes are particularly concerning because their jagged edges can pop tires and the drop into a pothole can damage rims and suspension systems. Potholes are repaired by patching them with new asphalt mix or by cutting the damaged section out of the payment and laying a new one.

3. Depressions

Portions of asphalt pavement that are lower than the pavement around them are called depressions. Unlike potholes that occur when a piece of pavement is dislodged, depressions maintain an unbroken surface. Depressions are usually small, round dips that are crater-like in appearance. Depressions hold water and increase the risk of hydroplaning in rainy conditions.

Depressions form when poorly compacted soil beneath the pavement shifts and allows the pavement subgrade to settle lower than intended. While depressions can be patched like potholes, this doesn't repair the defect in the subgrade, the base layer of the pavement. To ensure long-term repair, the section of pavement must be cut out so that the subgrade can be replaced.

4. Swells

Swells are bulges in the surface of asphalt pavement. Like depressions, swells can be caused by changes in the soil beneath the pavement. Soil that expands dramatically in response to heat or moisture saturation has the potential to cause swelling. Swells can damage suspension systems and make driving on the pavement much less smooth. Large pavement swells can even cause damage to the undercarriage of your vehicle.

In some cases, contractors can remove and repave the surface layer of pavement where swelling has occurred. However, it is more common for contractors to cut out the affected area and apply a full-depth patch to ensure that the same soil conditions do not cause swelling to reappear.

The types and causes of asphalt pavement damage are varied, and no two repairs will be identical. If you are unhappy with the condition of your asphalt pavement, contact an asphalt paving contractor to get professional repair for any type of pavement damage.

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