Since 1976 we at Cedar Hill Paving Ltd. have been helping the Greater Toronto Area with all its concrete and asphalt needs. That includes providing efficient and professional asphalt repair services in Vaughan, Thornhill, and anywhere else in the GTA. One of the best ways to keep your asphalt looking and performing at its best is to know the signs that something is wrong. If you know the signs, you’ll be able to intervene quickly, before more extensive (and costly) repairs are needed. Here are just five tell-tale signs your asphalt driveway needs to be repaired:
Asphalt is tough but it isn’t impermeable. During a Toronto winter, water freezes and thaws many times. If water gets into your asphalt it will expand and contract as often as the temperature goes above and below freezing. This means that cracks may form in your asphalt. Once a crack has occurred, water can get in more easily, increasing the chances of the crack worsening.
Like cracks, potholes are a result of the changing seasons in Ontario. If, for example, the soil under your driveway collapses from too much expansion and contraction of water, the asphalt on top of it will sink too, creating a pothole. Potholes aren’t just unpleasant to look at; they can be dangerous for your car if you drive over them.
Particularly heavy loads can also affect your asphalt. Excessive weight (such as an overloaded garbage bin when you’re renovating your home) or an unusually large amount of traffic can warp the surface of your asphalt. Not unlike potholes, these inconsistencies and dips in your driveway’s surface can pose problems for your car’s suspension.
One of the most subtle but important signs that your driveway needs attention is pooling water. As should be clear by now, water is the primary threat to asphalt. Your driveway should drain quickly and thoroughly during rainstorms and you should do everything you can to keep it free of snow in the winter. If you notice any pooling water, it means that a problem has either already happened or will probably happen sooner than it should. Consult an asphalt expert to find out exactly what you need to do to fix the situation.
- It’s been a while since it’s been repaved
Asphalt is tough but will need to be completely replaced every few decades. On average, you can expect about fifteen years of good use out of an asphalt driveway if it’s been properly maintained. If you’re buying a new home, be sure to ask the former owner about the age of the driveway.
If you think your asphalt driveway might need a little repair or even a complete repaving,
contact us at Cedar Hill Paving Ltd. today. We serve Vaughan, Thornhill, and the rest of the Greater Toronto Area.
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