Notice Damage In Your Asphalt? Here’s How To Identify What Type of Crack It Is

The harsh weather conditions of Ontario can have an adverse effect on the integrity of the asphalt on your driveway. As durable as asphalt is, when it is constantly subjected to heavy rain, wind and snowstorms, and ice, damage to the material can ensue. Not all damage to asphalt is the same and requires different types of asphalt repairs. It can be extremely helpful to be able to identify what type of cracking is on your asphalt and the potential repairs it will require.

For your convenience, Ampac Paving and Concrete have identified and provided a guide on the most common types of damage to asphalt:

Alligator/Fatigue Cracking

This type of damage refers to the surface of the asphalt cracked in a pattern similar to the scales on an alligator’s back. These cracks begin as a longitudinal pattern, then can become transverse and spread across the surface. Alligator cracking is an asphalt damage which requires immediate attention, as it can lead to worse asphalt issues. When water seeps underneath the asphalt, it can destabilize its foundation, and the asphalt will no longer be able to withstand the weight placed on it. This results in fatigue cracking that appears on the surface. 

Block Cracking

Block cracking refers to the large, often square or rectangular shaped cracks on the asphalt. It often covers wide areas of the driveway and, unlike fatigue cracking, is not caused by having loaded vehicles on the asphalt. Instead, block cracking is the result of shrinkage because of the asphalt binder’s inability to expand or decrease in size with changing temperature cycles. When the asphalt was applied, the mix may have been placed too dry and has hardened significantly over time. 

Linear Cracking

Linear/longitudinal cracking is parallel to the centerline of the pavement or direction of the laydown. There are various causes that lead to linear cracking; from moisture stress, inability to withstand objects placed on the pavement, poor joint construction and more. 

Transverse Cracking

This type of damage are single cracks that are perpendicular to the centerline of the asphalt. Often occurring on main roads, plaza lots, and other parking lots with a high-volume of vehicles routinely coming and going. Transverse cracking is often caused by freezing or severely cold temperatures, which cause the asphalt to shrink and contract. That results in the cracking; however, this damage can also be the result of poor construction and reflective cracking.

Edge Cracking

These cracks appear at the inside of the road or the edge of the driveway next to the curb. Edge cracking can occur for different reasons, such as the asphalt being too dry when originally applied, the asphalt drying out significantly over time or freezing temperatures.

There may be several paving companies in Toronto, but they certainly do not have the same passion, integrity, high-quality work, and customer service that Ampac Paving and Concrete does. Our family-owned commercial paving company has been in the business since the 1970s and build up a trusted reputation. For all of your asphalt repair needs, request a free quote for our services online.