Summers, Sunshine, & Asphalt Bleeding – Is It A Problem?

Feb 22, 2022

Post author:admin
Post published:February 22, 2022
Post category:Scorpion Construction LLC Blog

By the time summer rolls around, all you can think about is getting outdoors and enjoying the sunny weather. While you are out there, you might want to watch for signs of pavement bleeding at your property. This blog post by Scorpion Construction LLC explores what pavement bleeding is, whether or not it’s a big deal, and what we can you do to prevent it.

Asphalt Bleeding: What Is It?

Asphalt bleeding occurs in hot weather when small particles within the asphalt melt and stick to the pavement’s surface. Pavement bleeding is commonly seen on highways, roads, and other thoroughfares with large vehicular traffic volumes.

When these fine particles – known as “spalls” or “tack coat” – are left to stay on the pavement for an extended period, they can create a rough driving surface. This results in premature deterioration of the road surface. Pavement bleeding is particularly problematic in warm climates. High temperatures cause water vapor from rain and carbon dioxide from vehicle exhausts to rise through pores in the roadway.

What Causes Asphalt Bleeding?

Asphalt bleeding is the “oozing of asphalt-saturated aggregate particles at the surface .”Asphalt roads are made up of mineral filler. The mineral filler provides structure to the mix.

When water can get into the mix, it displaces the air that holds everything together. With less air holding things together, more asphalt seeps through these voids in the rock or sand particles. This causes the rock to rise closer to the road’s surface, resulting in asphalt bleeding.

Can You Fix Asphalt Bleeding?

As mentioned earlier, asphalt bleeding occurs when the oil in asphalt is exposed to excessive heat or sunlight, causing it to rise through the cracks in the pavement. This process is typically only noticed when the excess oil turns white upon exposure to heat or light–hence, “bleeding” asphalt.

Long-term fixes for this problem include applying a maintenance compound or sealing with an overlay application. However, these repairs are best left up to professionals with experience carrying out these projects. Inexperienced parties can easily make mistakes that result in costing more time and money in the end… not to mention leaving your asphalt with a “patch job” look.

Cracks from pavement bleeding affect the appearance of your asphalt and can also potentially create trip hazards for pedestrians. These cracks will eventually deepen over time, further affecting the integrity of the asphalt and requiring a significant overhaul to fix. Asphalt maintenance can help prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.

The Ending Note

At Scorpion Construction LLC, serving in St. Petersburg, FL, we understand the importance of having a well-maintained and paved property. So, if you’re thinking about having your asphalt needs addressed, give us a call today! Whether infrared patching or asphalt excavation for residential or commercial properties, our team is happy to help with any size project, from small driveways to large parking lots.

We can make sure your property has a beautiful look. While also providing peace of mind knowing that your asphalt will be well-maintained throughout its lifetime. Get your free estimate!

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