Importance of Proper Asphalt Maintenance in Houston

Along with concrete, asphalt is one of the most common and reliable pavement materials in Houston. Its durability, versatility and performance combine to make it a top choice for commercial property owners. Here are the benefits of properly maintaining asphalt:

• Maintenance extends the asphalt’s useful life – When pavement fails, it tends to do so in isolated areas first. Pavement will develop weak spots before it fails completely. That is good news for Houston property owners, because it means the asphalt can be preserved if those weak spots are promptly addressed. It could be a crack that is steadily widening (known as a “working” crack). It could be a pothole. It could be severe warping or another sign of weakness. If these issues are properly repaired, the asphalt’s overall condition will be better preserved.
  
  

  Asphalt fails in spots because small flaws in the pavement are exploited by Houston’s traffic and weather. When asphalt is stressed by heavy traffic, weakened spots will shed aggregate and warp due to overloading. When exposed to heavy rains, runoff will intrude into the asphalt’s cracks, potholes and other surface flaws. This will eat away at the pavement’s deeper layers and cause it to deteriorate from the inside, resulting in subsidence and early failure. Proper asphalt maintenance prevents this destructive cycle.

• Maintenance reduces total cost of ownership – The longer your pavement lasts, the more value you will get out of it. However, the longer property owners wait to invest in preventative or restorative maintenance, the more that maintenance will cost as the damage will be greater.

  
  State departments of transportation (including the Texas Department of Transportation) have done the research and have come to the same conclusion: It costs more to restore asphalt from poor to fair condition, compared to improving the pavement from fair to good condition. This is because more extensive repairs are needed when asphalt is badly damaged and may include necessary base maintenance. This will cost more to execute, so investing in proper asphalt maintenance in Houston is important to avoid more expensive repairs.

• Maintenance improves the asphalt’s surface performance – Large cracks, potholes and severe warping will interfere with a motorist’s ability to control their vehicle while driving. If the asphalt is in poor enough condition that it actually causes damage to the vehicle or causes an accident, the property owner may be held liable for any damages.

   

  Poorly maintained asphalt can also affect traffic flow through your parking lots or access roads. Poor asphalt may force drivers to take alternate routes over your pavement and generally frustrate your potential customers. If your property sees a high volume of commercial traffic, damaged asphalt may slow down receiving or loading processes, reducing your company’s profitability. Safety is the number one concern with damaged asphalt, but efficiency and profitability are also issues.

• Maintenance improves the asphalt’s appearance and curb appeal – Curb appeal may not be the first thought that comes to mind with asphalt, but well-maintained asphalt pavement looks noticeably better than damaged, faded asphalt. Research shows that potential tenants are more likely to consider properties that have pavement that’s better maintained as it gives the impression that the property itself is better maintained.

  Well-maintained asphalt pavement will also signify to potential visitors and customers that your business is active. When pavement deteriorates to the point where it seems no one is taking care of it, people may wonder if the business is operating at all.