Having somewhere for water to drain is critical to the structural integrity and health of your pavement. Otherwise, when water is given time to collect, form puddles, and seep into your asphalt, it will inevitably erode your pavement and cause major damage.
Therefore, when you want to ensure your asphalt lasts as long as possible, you need to use a thorough asphalt paving contractor like United Asphalt Paving. We specialize in installing asphalt driveways and parking lots with proper drainage systems in place—because we prioritize longevity and performance for all of our asphalt projects.
To find out more about why drainage is such a vital aspect of any pavement installation project, keep reading!
Why Does Drainage Matter for Asphalt?
When water has nowhere else to go, it will start causing trouble for your pavement. Here’s how:
- The prolonged presence of water on the surface destroys asphalt over time because it corrodes the bond between the asphalt binder (which is oil-based) and bits of rock and sand. This deterioration is what often leads to potholes.
- In addition, when water seeps through the asphalt and sits below the surface, deep structural issues can begin to show. The water gradually erodes the aggregate base and subgrade, which leads the entire structure to crack and crumble under the constant weight of vehicles.
- Freezing temperatures in the winter present their own set of problems if proper drainage isn’t established. This is because water will find its way into tiny cracks in the asphalt, freeze, and expand—which then causes the cracks to widen and lengthen. The result is major cracks and potholes.
As you can see, it’s absolutely crucial to make sure an effective drainage system is in place before you install asphalt. If you don’t, water will eventually degrade the surface and internal structure of your pavement, which will only create more headaches and expenses for you down the road.
As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
Any questions about how United Asphalt Paving ensures sufficient drainage for asphalt driveways and parking lots? Don’t hesitate to shoot us an email. We always love an opportunity to brag about the quality of our paving services!