Wondering why your driveway is covered in cracks? No matter what material your driveway is made from, wear and tear from regular use as well as exposure to the elements causes it to degrade over time. It’s important to keep your driveway well maintained to reduce expensive replacement costs in the future. Here are four of the main reasons your driveway is cracking, and how professional sealcoating in Saratoga Springs, NY can extend the life of your driveway.
Improper installation
It takes the skill of a professional paver and sealcoating contractor in Saratoga County, NY to install and maintain a driveway the right way. Improper installation is the number one cause of cracks in pavement. During installation, the asphalt material needs to be packed down as tightly as possible to create a firm foundation. In some cases, full replacement might be necessary, but usually the problems can be solved with a simple and cost-effective sealcoating.
Freezing and thawing
Saratoga County, NY experiences freezing temperatures several times throughout the year. Changes in temperature due to freezing and thawing have a major impact on the condition of a driveway. When snow or ice collects on an asphalt driveway, the moisture can seep into the asphalt and will contract or expand due to freezing and thawing, directly causing cracks in the surface. It’s smart to seal the driveway so less moisture will be able to penetrate the surface, protecting it from the freeze and thaw cycles that occur every year.
Extreme heat
The heat of the sun also has an impact on the surface of your asphalt driveway. Asphalt is black, which means it attracts the sun, and if you’ve stepped on hot pavement during a sunny summer day, you know that the surface can get incredibly hot. Extreme heat causes asphalt to expand, and the stress causes cracks to form in your driveway. If you leave these small cracks untreated, they can turn into major problems down the road. A professional sealcoat adds an extra layer of protection to your driveway, providing a barrier from the intense heat of the summer sun.
Shifting ground
The Earth’s surface is always in movement, which means your driveway will move along with it. In most cases, asphalt driveways are laid on top of a layer of gravel. The natural movements of the soil and other extreme conditions like heavy storms can cause the gravel to shift. As the asphalt on top starts to settle, cracks can form. Reach out to the experts in sealcoating in Saratoga Springs, NY right away to keep small cracks from turning into large ones.
Seeing cracks in your driveway is a cause for concern, but it’s usually nothing that a sealcoating contractor in Saratoga County, NY can’t fix. Professional maintenance extends the life of your driveway, keeping it in excellent functional and visual condition for years to come. Contact Asphalt Industries, LLC today to learn more about how the simple process of sealcoating can bring your driveway back to life.