Many factors can affect the quality of asphalt on roads, including water, our environment, and how we maintain it, as much as asphalt contractors put more effort into ensuring such roads are well constructed. Is there anything you can do to protect the lives of many on the roads? According to recently conducted research performed by NAPA, more than 94% of 2.6 million miles of paved roads are constructed using asphalt in the U.S. Asphalt maintenance is something everyone's concerned about because it affects us all. If you've ever wondered what some of the significant threats to our roads are, here is a list of eight dangers that could destroy or damage them:

1. Water

Water is one of the most significant problems cities face today because it creates potholes. What happens when water gets into cracks in the pavement? It carves out channels for itself which eventually form huge cracks under the surface. It forces chunks of concrete to shift and destabilizes the pavement. As a result, roads shift, rise and fall, making travel very dangerous. Water can also freeze, which further damages asphalt.

Water is responsible for over half of road damage, so it's important not to drive on wet roads or highways after it rains. Not only does it cause the most damage, but the presence of water poses serious safety concerns for drivers! Be aware of weather conditions before traveling on public roads, even if you're passing through them.

2. Oil

Putting oil down where you park your car could lead to significant problems with your driveway or street in general. It creates a thin layer that prevents water from seeping into the ground below, where excess oil can pool up. This allows bacteria to form, which creates an unhealthy surface for plants and animals to live on.

Oil stains are very unsightly, not to mention that it makes your street look dirty overall. Oil also attracts other pollutants, including metals that could harm the environment and clog up landfills where all of these materials are placed.

3. Vegetation Problems

Vines, trees, shrubs, and grasses can all harm your roads if left uncontrolled or improperly maintained near them. They take nutrients out of the soil, which deprives plants of essential minerals they need to survive. Uncontrolled growth reduces sunlight, which limits plant growth and development.

It can be dangerous for all those who use roads as daily transportation routes! It is a severe problem because it weakens the soil surrounding your asphalt, making it prone to erosion. Erosion also creates gullies which further damage the trail by destroying sections of pavement that have been weakened by lack of nutrients.

4. Deicing Chemicals

Deicing chemicals are good for sloshing away snow, but they're not so suitable for the surface they're being used on. They tend to etch concrete surfaces with a grainy mix of salt and ice crystals that prematurely age them and create a white haze on paved areas. These hazardous effects may not be visible, but they are there.

5. Pesticides

Pesticides are harmful to the environment, not just on your property but everywhere they're used! It destroys plant life around roads, which is also harmful because it affects wildlife, which could eventually affect our safety if they come into contact with hazardous chemicals that haven't been fully broken down.

6. Construction Zones

Construction zones have many dangers, including heavy equipment, distracted drivers, and workers who may be careless about safety protocols or lack training for hazardous material handling. Heavy traffic makes moving construction materials difficult, so accidents are more likely to happen. The result can be risky because these construction materials can be hefty! Your asphalt has to take the total weight of these items, which damages the surface; this also makes it prone to further damage when heavy vehicles or machinery travel over it.

7. Animals

Animals will go wherever they need to to find food and water. A significant problem with roads is that animals are attracted to them because they provide a flat, clear path through forests with no grass cover or beneath dense brush where visibility is low.

8. Sewage Spills

During rainfall – harsh rains – untreated sewage from broken septic tanks and nearby utility holes mixes with runoff into nearby waterways. This kind of pollution is often dangerous for humans and animals alike because there are high levels of bacteria that can cause serious infections, respiratory problems, and digestive issues.

This can be very dangerous because it could lead to diseases that could kill the people or animals that contact this waterway! If you see signs of sewage near your asphalt, don't hesitate to call a local plumber right away to avoid any further damage to the road itself. Various methods (such as steam cleaning) are available to remove any traces of this harmful substance from nearby asphalt surfaces.

Asphalt is a lot more delicate than it seems. Even though some extreme cases affect an asphalt driveway or parking lot, numerous little things can ruin the look of your asphalt during its lifetime. In this case, if you note some of these damages and you can easily control them, take action immediately before the situation gets worse.

If you notice any signs of deterioration in your asphalt pavement, it may be time for resurfacing or repairs before the damage gets worse. We offer competitive prices on all our services, so call us today if you need help with an estimate!