A high-quality asphalt paving job can last for decades.
However, if your contractor uses the wrong materials or applies the asphalt incorrectly, you may start noticing problems within just a few weeks or months.
In this guide, we’ll explain the most common signs of a bad asphalt job so that you can identify and fix issues in your driveway as quickly as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Rushed prep work, lack of grading, and lack of compaction are warning signs that your contractor is not performing high-quality work.
- Damage such as cracks and rutting indicate that the job was done incorrectly.
- Look for a trustworthy professional to restore or replace a bad paving job.
Early Signs of a Bad Asphalt Job
The earlier you realize the asphalt paving job is being done poorly, the better.
If you notice issues during the paving process, you can ask your contractor to correct the work, or you can call off the project and look for a better paving company.
Here are some red flags to watch out for during the paving project:
1. Inadequate Subgrade Prep
The subgrade is the layer of material beneath the asphalt pavement that forms its base.
Proper subgrade preparation is one of the most important elements of the asphalt installation process.
The subgrade needs to be properly leveled and compacted before paving to prevent premature wear and tear on the asphalt.
You may not be able to see the condition of the subgrade after the paving job is done, but you can watch how it’s being prepared.
Most importantly, see if your contractor compacts the subgrade before applying the asphalt.
2. Lack of Drainage
Your pavers should grade the surface of the asphalt so that water runs off it instead of pooling.
There are a number of factors contractors use to calculate the grade, including the slope of the surrounding area, the expected rainfall in your area, and the permeability of the underlying soil.
If the asphalt surface seems to have no visible slope, you might be in trouble.
3. Inconsistent Thickness
Asphalt should be a minimum of 2 inches thick in residential driveways and 3 inches thick in commercial driveways.
If the pavement looks too thin, your contractor could be skimping on material to save money.
If the pavers are doing poor work, you may also see inconsistencies in the thickness of the pavement before the job is even done.
4. Poor Transition From Driveway to Road
Good contractors will create a smooth transition between the new asphalt and the surrounding structures.
For example, when paving your driveway, there shouldn’t be a massive bump between your driveway and the street.
Poor transitions in an asphalt paving job are a nuisance, and they can be a sign that the paver did sloppy or careless work overall.
Long-Term Markers of a Bad Asphalt Job
Unfortunately, you can’t always recognize a bad paving job right away.
You may not have watched the contractors install the asphalt, and not all of the warning signs are immediately obvious.
If you experience any of the following issues shortly after the asphalt is installed, the job was probably done incorrectly.
5. Cracking or Splitting
A new asphalt driveway should not develop cracks.
Premature splitting or cracking can be caused by improper surface preparation, low-quality materials, or asphalt that’s too thin.
Some of the most common types of cracks seen in asphalt pavement include:
- Alligator cracks: These are networks of interconnected cracks that look like the skin of an alligator. Alligator cracks form when the pavement can’t withstand the load of the traffic, which can be caused by a weak subgrade or inadequate asphalt thickness.
- Thermal cracks: These are long, thin cracks that usually result from a lack of flexibility in the asphalt during temperature changes.
- Edge cracks: These cracks form near the margins of the asphalt and run parallel to the edge. They can be caused by poor drainage or inadequate support at the edges of the pavement.
- Slippage cracks: These cracks appear in a crescent shape. Common causes of slippage cracks include poor bonding between pavement layers or use of the incorrect asphalt mix for the project.
6. Water Pooling
Water pooling on an asphalt surface can quickly lead to erosion, which results in cracks and potholes.
Water should not be gathering on a newly installed asphalt surface. Your contractor should slope the surface to allow for water run-off.
7. Surface Deterioration
A properly installed asphalt surface will remain smooth.
If you notice the asphalt is becoming rough or pitted within a few months, it was poorly installed.
Raveling is the disintegration of the asphalt surface. This can happen if the asphalt was installed in poor weather conditions or if your contractor used a low-quality asphalt mix.
Spalling occurs when flakes of asphalt break off the surface. This may happen if the surface isn’t properly compacted or if the pavement was installed in cold or wet weather and didn’t cure correctly.
8. Rutting or Sinking
Rutting is the formation of a depression in the pavement along the wheel path.
This happens when either the subgrade or the asphalt surface sinks down.
Common causes of rutting include inadequate asphalt thickness and lack of compaction.
Rutting can start small and increase over time. You may first notice rutting in your driveway after it rains because you’ll see water pooling in the depressions.
How to Repair a Bad Asphalt Job
Dealing with a bad asphalt job can be incredibly frustrating.
Installing an asphalt driveway can be expensive, so you deserve to receive high-quality work.
Here are three options for your next steps:
Contact the Paving Company
Reaching out to the paving company directly should be your first course of action.
A reputable paving company will be willing to correct their mistakes.
Take photos of the job so you have a record of the problems you’re experiencing.
Consider a DIY Fix
It’s usually better to consult with professionals on an asphalt paving job than to handle the repairs yourself.
However, a DIY fix can be a good temporary solution while you wait for professional repairs.
Patching the cracks will prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage.
Call a Pro for Repairs
If your original paving company isn’t willing to fix their work, it’s time to look for better contractors.
You might also choose to look for another professional if you don’t trust your original contractors to properly fix their mistakes.
Check customer reviews on third-party websites before hiring a paving company. Ask the pavers if they offer a warranty, and request their license number and certificate of insurance.
Need to Fix a Bad Asphalt Paving Job? Contact Betz Works Today!
Betz Works provides residential and commercial paving services in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties.
We take pride in our high-quality paving work and commitment to customer service.
If you’re looking for a reliable company to fix a bad paving job, contact us today.
FAQ
What external factors can affect my asphalt?
Even with a high-quality paving job, weather can impact the lifespan of asphalt. Temperature changes and excessive precipitation may result in extra wear and tear on the surface.
A high volume of traffic on the pavement can eventually result in cracks and potholes, too.
Should new asphalt be smooth?
Yes, new asphalt should be smooth. A rough surface or loose gravel scattered around are warning signs of a poor installation job.
What is the life expectancy of asphalt paving?
Asphalt pavement should last at least 15 years. With good maintenance, it can last up to 30 years.