Proper Maintenance
1. Sun and oxidation. The sun dries and oxidizes asphalt, making it brittle, and loosening the surface. The asphalt pavement turns grey, and small stones break away. The surface "unravels" exhibiting a rough texture.
Seal coating fills the surface voids, protects the asphalt from ultraviolet rays, and restores its attractive black appearance.
2 Water absorption. Cracks in the asphalt permit water to permeate the mat. When water freezes, it expands and enlarges the cracks. Ultimately the pavement shows weakened, "alligator" cracked areas and potholes. Cracks that extend the full depth of the pavement permit water to drain into the subsurface., softening it. The pavement finally gives way. Crack backfilling and sealing eliminates water absorption.
3 Oil and gasoline spills. Oil and gas dripping from parked cars will dissolve asphalt binder, leaving weak, mushy spots. These areas are flame treated to burn away the excess petroleum vapors, the singed material is removed and the area is primed before seal coating