3 Types of Pavement Cracks and How to Fix Them

Now is the time of year to make repairs and renovations to your paved lot. Not only does the weather permit such work, making the process more efficient and successful, it also prepares paved surfaces for the upcoming winter climates. Common winter expectations, like heavy precipitation, strong winds, and extreme temperatures, can all negatively impact asphalt and concrete pavements if they are not sufficiently protected.

One of the most frequently-made repairs this time of year are for surface cracks. There are three common types of surface cracks, all of which can occur to both asphalt and concrete pavements. Continue reading to learn how to identify, repair, and prevent such cracks on your property.

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Block Cracks in Asphalt Pavement

The 3 Common Pavement Cracks:

Reflective

Reflective surface cracks occur when a crack or joint in the underlying pavement “reflects” upward through the surface. These types of cracks are primarily dealt with in resurfacing projects, but they can also appear in the form of “low-severity” cracks following new pavement installation. They are not a good sign since they reduce the overall lifespan of your asphalt or concrete overlay.

Block

Block cracks are easy to identify because they form in patterns of squares; the cracks intersect each other at nearly 90 degree angles. They are often found in parking lots, as they tend to happen as a result of not having enough traffic. You see, steady, consistent traffic on pavement helps to knead it and keep it flexible, making it more resistant to crack formation. Other reasons why block cracks form is due to low-penetration asphalt, excessive air voids, overly high plant mix temperatures, and more.

Edge

Edge cracks are just that; cracks that form around the edges of pavement, usually along curbs, sidewalks, medians, and drainage ditches. They are identified accurately by measuring their location; if they are parallel to and within 18 inches of the edge of the asphalt or concrete, they are considered edge cracks. The most common causes are insufficient base construction, inadequate shoulder support, poor drainage, and frost effects.

Resolve Pavement Cracks ASAP

It is important to catch and resolve pavement cracks early on, before they can spread and lead to larger structural problems. The best way to do so is to hire a licensed and insured Indianapolis paving company for help creating the best pavement repair and maintenance plan for your property. Depending on the extent of damage to your lot, you may require crack-filling, crack routing or widening, pavement resurfacing, re-striping, curb repair, ADA ramp repair, and more. To protect your lot from future damages, be sure to discuss sealcoating options with your trusted paving contractor.

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ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833
ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, and more. Request a free estimate, today!