Top Causes of Asphalt Cracks & How to Prevent Them
Discover the main causes of asphalt cracks and expert tips to stop damage before it starts. Protect your pavement and extend its life with this guide.
Asphalt pavements are the foundation of our driveways, parking lots, and roads, with their smooth and resilient surface suitable for daily use. Even the most durable asphalt surfaces are prone to cracking over time, and if left unaddressed, these imperfections can lead to costly repairs and further structural issues.
Knowing why asphalt cracks form is the initial step in keeping your pavement investment safe and its life extended.
In this blog, we’ll reveal the causes of asphalt cracks and provide how to prevent them, so your surfaces remain strong, safe, and attractive for years to come.
Common Types of Asphalt Cracks
It is important to know the type of cracks in your asphalt to be able to diagnose the cause of asphalt cracks and determine the best repair method. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular types:
1. Alligator Cracks
Alligator cracks earn their name from the resemblance they bear to an alligator’s back, a network of interlinked, irregular cracks that create a matrix of small, approximately rectangular fragments. These alligator cracks are signs of major structural failure and typically occur from repeated stress on the road from heavy traffic loads or from a weak or improperly prepared base layer under the asphalt.
If you see alligator cracking, that means the foundation of the driveway must be addressed immediately because patch repairs will not be enough.
2. Longitudinal Cracks
These cracks are in straight lines along the direction of traffic. They usually appear as a result of inadequate compaction upon installation or due to thermal contraction and expansion of asphalt.
Transverse cracks may also appear along construction joints where two lanes of pavement come together if the joint was not adequately sealed or compacted. If not treated, these cracks may lead to the penetration of water and increase the damage.
3. Transverse Cracks: Causes of Asphalt Cracks
Transverse cracks extend in the direction contrary to the traffic flow, passing across the road width. They exist mainly because of thermal expansion and contraction. When temperatures vary, asphalt contracts and expands, which makes it crack eventually.
They normally occur in pavements that have exposure to extreme temperature changes without proper flexibility or stress relief interventions. Proper maintenance is essential to avoid the cracks from enlarging.
4. Block Cracks: Causes of Asphalt Cracks
Block cracks form extensive, approximate rectangular areas of pavement defined by cracks. They typically result from oxidation and aging of the asphalt binder, causing the pavement to lose its elasticity and become stiff as time passes.
Block cracking tends to occur in pavements that are old and not routinely sealcoated, so sun and weather can wear down the surface. Although less significant structurally than alligator cracks, block cracks must nonetheless be addressed to prevent water intrusion and additional deterioration.
The Main Causes of Asphalt Cracks
Asphalt is made to be durable and flexible, but it’s not indestructible. A number of factors lend themselves to its eventual cracking:
1. Weather and Temperature Changes
When exposed to heat, asphalt warms and expands; it cools and contracts in colder weather. Repeatedly doing this puts stress on the material and eventually causes it to weaken and crack. Freeze-thaw cycles are particularly devastating; water seeps into tiny cracks or pores, freezes, expands, and pushes the asphalt apart.
2. Subgrade or Poor Installation
If the subgrade, which is the ground under the asphalt, is not well compacted or prepared, it might settle or shift, leading to cracking in the asphalt layer on top. Improper layering or mixing of the asphalt during installation also leads to weak areas.
3. Heavy Use and Overloading: Causes of Asphalt Cracks
Sustained stress by vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles or overloaded automobiles, will degrade the asphalt. The constant stress ultimately leads to fatigue cracks, which are very common in heavy parking lots and traffic roads.
4. Water Damage: Causes of Asphalt Cracks
Water is the biggest enemy of asphalt. Inadequate drainage causes water to collect on or below the pavement, softening the base and leading to cracks, potholes, and ultimately potholes.
5. Aging and Oxidation: Causes of Asphalt Cracks
Over time, road asphalt dries out due to the effects of sunlight and oxygen. The excess oxygen causes the asphalt to lose its elasticity. The result is a brittle surface that cracks more easily.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preventing Asphalt Cracks
Most cracks in asphalt can be avoided with good planning and attention. Let’s discuss the most important methods to maintain your asphalt in top condition.
1. Maintenance: The First Line of Defense
Spotting a crack early, when it’s only a hairline, makes repairs quick and cost-effective. But neglect it for a couple of months, and the same crack becomes a pothole that wears out tires, attracts water, and costs you hundreds to repair.
Why it matters:
Asphalt absorbs and releases heat. Cracks are bound to happen, but by treating them early, you can prevent them from spreading.
How to do it correctly: Causes of Asphalt Cracks
- Check your pavement each season.
- Seal small cracks with good-quality rubberized crack filler.
- Sealcoat every 2–3 years to provide a barrier against water, oil, salt, and sunlight.
Tip: If your pavement shows an unexpected spate of cracks after the winter season, freeze-thaw cycles are probably the reason. A prompt sealcoat in autumn can avoid this.
2. Installation
Consider your asphalt a house. If the foundation is weak, all the structures placed on top of it are in danger. Most surface cracks begin in issues out of sight, such as inadequate compaction or a weak subbase.
Why it’s important:
Asphalt paved over weak or uneven terrain will settle unevenly, causing stress and cracking eventually.
How to do it correctly:
- Always properly compact the base first before paving.
- Use the appropriate thickness depending on the intended traffic load.
- Ensure the asphalt is spread at the proper temperature and rolled when the asphalt is hot.
Tip: Don’t pave in extremely cold or warm temperatures. Extreme temperatures inhibit proper binding and could lead to future cracking.
3. Drainage: Causes of Asphalt Cracks
Water is one of asphalt’s worst foes. When water from rain, snowmelt, or irrigation infiltrates beneath pavement, it weakens the foundation and causes cracking.
Why it matters:
A tiny crack can admit water. Eventually, this water freezes, expands, and pushes the pavement upward and apart.
How it works:
- Slope your pavement so that it will allow runoff.
- Install trench drains, swales, or gutters when necessary.
- Don’t let sprinklers drench the edges of the pavement.
Tip: Test your pavement after a big rain. Walk your pavement and check for standing water. If water’s not draining, it’s time to fix the slope or drainage system.
4. Traffic Load
Areas with heavy traffic, especially those involving trucks or heavy equipment, deteriorate much faster. Without proper support, these are the first places to show alligator cracking or rutting.
Why it matters:
Weight stress deteriorates the asphalt structure. When localized in one place, such as at loading docks or an entry point, it leads to premature failure.
How to do it right:
- Provide thicker asphalt layers for high-load areas.
- Strengthen with geotextile cloth or a more durable subbase.
- Restrict heavy vehicle access where feasible.
Tip: Avoid stressing the same spots repeatedly—alternate traffic flow or delivery points to preserve your pavement.
5. Prompt Repairs
Tiny cracks are simple to overlook, until they’re not. The longer damage lingers, the more severe it becomes. Early repair is less expensive, less difficult, and more intelligent than waiting for a catastrophic failure.
Why it matters:
Each crack is a point of entry for water, dirt, and chemicals. Letting cracks go untreated leads to deeper damage and a weaker overall surface.
How to do it correctly:
- Seal cracks as soon as they appear.
- Repair deeper holes with infrared patching or hot mix.
- Arrange annual inspections with a paving technician.
Tip: Keep a compact repair kit handy for quick repairs, especially before winter or the rainy season.
6. Winter Protection
Winter is unforgiving to asphalt. Snow melts in the daytime, infiltrates cracks, and refreezes at night, expanding and exacerbating the damage. Salt and de-icers also corrode the surface if not selected wisely.
Why it matters:
Water plus freezing weather is the ideal recipe for crack enlargement and pothole creation.
How to do it right: Causes of Asphalt Cracks
- Remove snow and ice promptly.
- Utilize non-corrosive, environmentally safe de-icers (such as calcium magnesium acetate).
- Don’t use scraping, surface-damaging metal shovels.
Tip: Book crack sealing in early fall to protect your pavement from the harsh effects of winter moisture and freezing.
How Preventive Pavement Maintenance Protects Your Investment
When it comes to asphalt pavement, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventive pavement maintenance is not merely about looks; it’s a smart, long-term investment that saves the integrity, safety, and value of your property. Here’s how being proactive in addressing pavement problems can pay off for you:
️ 1. Lengthens Pavement Life: Causes of Asphalt Cracks
Routine maintenance, like crack sealing, sealcoating, and patch repairs, makes asphalt last 10 to 15 years beyond unmaintained roads. By taking care of little problems before they become big damage, you greatly postpone full replacement’s high expense.
Did you know? Properly cared-for asphalt pavement can last up to 30 years, yet poorly maintained pavement fails in about half that time.
2. Scales Down Long-Term Repair Expenses
Repairing minor issues early is less expensive than addressing widespread deterioration down the road. Regular crack sealing and sealcoating are much cheaper than resurfacing a full section of pavement because of potholes or base failure.
3. Avoids Hazardous Conditions
Cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces pose hazards to pedestrians and damage to cars. Proactive maintenance keeps your property safe, minimizing liability threats and having your walkways, parking lots, and driveways hazard-free.
4. Increases Curb Appeal and Property Value
A clean, smooth, and well-maintained pavement immediately enhances the overall beauty of your property. Whether you are a resident or a business, a good first impression can go a long way. Potential customers, tenants, or clients are much more likely to believe in a property that is well taken care of.
Curb appeal makes a difference. Professionally well-maintained surfaces portray professionalism and attention to detail.
5. Enhances Water Drainage and Surface Integrity
Routine sealing and crack filling protect asphalt from water penetration—the leading cause of subbase erosion and cracking. This preserves the pavement’s structural base, particularly under heavy rain or freeze-thaw environments.
6. Facilitates Improved Traffic Flow and Performance
Maintenance keeps the pavement level and clear of obstructions, which enhances traction and vehicle movement. It is particularly important in commercial environments such as parking lots, where ongoing traffic may quickly wear down surfaces.
Need Professional Help With Your Asphalt?
Asphalt surfaces are designed to endure, but without proper maintenance, they can quickly deteriorate, develop cracks, form potholes, wear, and water damage. That’s why preventive maintenance is critical, and Noble Paving can assist. With decades of experience and a focus on quality, we offer premier asphalt services aimed at preserving and prolonging the lifespan of your surfaces.
From home driveways to business parking lots, their staff provides customized solutions such as sealcoating, crack sealing, drainage enhancement, and resurfacing. With high-grade materials and tested methods, Noble Paving keeps your asphalt smooth, durable, and eye-catching. With small repairs or a comprehensive maintenance program, Noble Paving provides affordable, dependable results that make your pavement look its best.
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