Water damage is a common problem that can compromise the integrity of your pavement and lead to costly repairs. Detecting water damage as early as possible is crucial in order to prevent further deterioration and ensure the longevity of your pavement. Here are some of the signs to watch for so you can detect and treat water damaged pavement early.
Cracks and Potholes
One key indicator of water damage is the presence of cracks or potholes in your pavement. These seemingly insignificant openings may appear harmless at first glance, but they can pose serious threats to the integrity of your pavement. Even small cracks can allow water to penetrate beneath the surface, causing the ground underneath to become weak and unstable.
Once water seeps beneath the pavement, it begins to erode the foundation, leading to further deterioration. Over time, this erosion can result in sinking or shifting sections of pavement, creating uneven surfaces that are not only unsightly but also hazardous for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Moreover, when water accumulates within these cracks during freeze-thaw cycles, it expands as it turns into ice, exerting pressure on the surrounding asphalt. This expansion exacerbates the damage already caused by water infiltration and accelerates pavement deterioration.
Standing Water
Another sign of water damage on your pavement is standing water or puddles that don’t drain properly after rainfall or irrigation. Instead of being absorbed into the ground, these pools remain on the surface, posing a threat to the integrity of your pavement in the long run.
When water collects and stagnates rather than infiltrating the ground, it can gradually erode and weaken the pavement surface. The constant exposure to moisture can seep beneath the top layer, eventually causing cracks and structural damage. These weakened areas are susceptible to further deterioration as they become more prone to temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, and traffic stress. Water trapped on the pavement also can act as a breeding ground for bacteria and algae growth. This not only further compromises the aesthetic appeal but also presents safety hazards, making the surface slippery and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Depressions in the Pavement
Additionally, if you notice any areas where the pavement appears sunken or uneven, this could be a sign of underlying water damage causing soil movement beneath it. When water seeps into the ground and remains trapped, it can lead to soil saturation. Saturation weakens the soil’s structural integrity, causing it to shift and settle unevenly, which ultimately affects the pavement above. Over time, as more water saturates the soil, these depressions become more pronounced and may pose safety hazards.
What to Do
To detect water damage early, it’s important to regularly inspect your pavement for these signs and take prompt action if any issues are found. Contacting a professional paving contractor who specializes in repairing water damaged pavements is recommended as they have expertise in identifying potential problems that may not be visible to an untrained eye. By being proactive in detecting and addressing water damage, you can maintain the structural integrity of your pavement and save yourself from more extensive repairs down the road.
Call Georgia’s Wildcat Pavement to Fix Your Water Damaged Pavement
At Georgia’s Wildcat Paving, we offer professional pavement services to treat and repair pavement that’s been affected by water damage. We can help you avoid greater damage using our expert knowledge and high-tech tools. Don’t wait until the damage becomes more severe. Give us a call or fill out our online form to get a free quote today.
