One of the biggest enemies of asphalt is really rain. Of course, it could stop all your planned construction projects. A freshly built asphalt surface and one that has been in place for some time are susceptible to significant damage during heavy rain.
The foundation and structural integrity of the asphalt is already weakened by water, as is well known. Additionally, the cracks and potholes that arise from this are not attractive. As a result, structural integrity and longevity are also at risk, in addition to aesthetics.
Learn more about the effects that rain may have on a freshly laid asphalt driveway and how to maintain your asphalt driveway at its best completely by reading on.
Table of Contents
What Are The Effects Of Rain On New Asphalt Driveways?
Cracks And Holes On Asphalt Driveway
Any surface continuously pouring water on it will eventually lose support and deteriorate over time. Therefore, it rains heavily over asphalt, dampening the ground or causing potholes or cracks.
The wager is that rainwater seeps beneath the top layer and erodes the exposed asphalt. The light rain that falls on asphalt doesn’t impact it, especially if installed correctly. However, the primary harm occurs once the water has had enough time to remain on the surface. Water logging is, therefore, the true danger.
Pump Sign Forming In Driveway
The constant movement of the vehicles might force water into the cracks in the asphalt as heavy rain falls over the area. Additionally, when water is drawn into the pavement by the tyres, and under them, the surface goes through cycles of compression and tension.
As a result of this procedure, the asphalt’s top layer develops hydraulic scouring or pumping marks. Water might be the main factor in the erosion and degradation of asphalt, even if the following are just three damages associated with heavy rain.
It is, therefore, essential to take the proper precautionary steps to safeguard your asphalt surface from such damages and maintain them in top shape at all times.
Deteriorate Asphalt Driveway Integrity
Water is an all-purpose solvent, but when it is present beneath the surface of the asphalt, it weakens its structural integrity. In addition, it shatters the link that holds the aggregates and binder together, which causes the asphalt to shrink.
So that the rainwater can be quickly drained from your property, experts advise installing good drainage systems.
How To Save Asphalt Driveway From Rain Damage?
Preventing water logging on the surface is the first step in preventing rain-related asphalt damage. When it is raining outdoors, you accomplish this by covering the asphalt surface. However, doing so in a vast area is frequently neither practical nor viable.
Installing a suitable drainage system is the best action in such a situation. Asphalt builders frequently employ curbing or driveway slopes to deflect water from the surface. By doing this, water cannot collect, which would harm the asphalt.
Seal The Cracks On Driveway
To fill in tiny gaps to stop water from penetrating the subgrade layers. Therefore, if you’re proactive with asphalt care, there won’t be a requirement for replacement. Let’s look at these protective actions in more detail to comprehend the mechanism.
To stop water from penetrating the subgrade layer, sealing is done using a hot rubberized asphalt sealer. It effectively seals the exterior and deters rainwater infiltration. Furthermore, you can save much money on future repairs by spotting damage early. As a result, strive to schedule frequent asphalt repairs and sealing treatments.
Proper Driveway Drainage
Strategically placing drainage systems ensures that your asphalt driveway doesn’t have standing water. Water must also be diverted from the surface and into the drainage system. To accomplish this, contractors employ slopes. Keep in mind that proper slope is crucial.
Water shouldn’t be let inside your home or garage.
Hire Professionals For Driveway Installation
To achieve the greatest results for your property, employ a reputable paving firm. Professional pavers know the best methods for planning and carrying out asphalt installation to provide the best outcomes.
For your asphalt’s continued protection from the rain, consider seal coating. Asphalt is shielded from damaging weather conditions throughout the year by seal coating services, which also increase durability.
Maintaining new asphalt’s appearance and performance at its peak for as long as feasible is made possible by seal coating, which is a terrific method to safeguard your investment.
Install Driveway According To Your Region’s Weather
The easiest method to avoid damaging the pavement is to schedule the installation on a day when the weather is clear. After your asphalt has been put, it’s crucial to confirm that a few days of clear weather are in the forecast.
Doing this can prevent precipitation from interfering with the normal drying and curing of your pavement.
Conclusion
Hire an expert to help reduce rain’s effects on fresh asphalt. Driveways are often entirely healed within three to six months of the pavement is installed.
Even though the damage won’t come from the rain, strong showers could harm your pavement surface. As stated earlier, poor drainage and large water accumulations will eventually damage your asphalt.
