Ah, the pavement – the ‘Therapy Friend’ of our daily travels. We drive, walk, and cycle on it without giving much thought to the wear and tear it endures.

But, just like all the other supportive, steadfast and dependable structures in our lives, even our asphalt needs a wellness check from time to time. In short, pavement has a limited lifespan, and when it starts to show its age, it’s time to consider a replacement.

So come along as we explore the unmistakable indicators that your pavement needs a fresh start. We can’t promise a bump-free ride, but we can ensure a smooth recovery.

Pavement fatigue cracks: when fine lines aren’t so fine

Pavement cracks are like the wrinkles of the road, showing its age whether you like it or not. These cracks allow moisture to seep in, further damaging the pavement. Especially for properties residing in a full, four-season climate (*cough cough* Canada), the water freezing and thawing leads to expanding and contracting, exerting pressure on the surrounding pavement and creating more extensive problems down the road, so to speak.

When your pavement looks like a spider’s web, with interconnected cracks crawling their way across the surface, it’s time for action.

Potholes: Putting your pavement party in the hole

When potholes start popping up like party confetti, and the pavement resembles a minefield for your tires, it’s time to take action. These tire eaters form when water infiltrates cracks in the road, undergoes freeze-thaw cycles, and weakens the pavement. The weight of passing vehicles further damages the pavement, causing it to break apart and create depressions in the road surface.

Don’t let visitors’ (or even your) car’s suspension become the pinata of this party, and react with professional treatment promptly.

Kick your pavement problems to the curb with curb maintenance

Cracked or uneven curbs are not just an eyesore; they’re also a fall hazard, forcing you to curb your enthusiasm and replace those pavement ledges. Functionally speaking, by helping to manage water drainage and maintain the structural integrity of the pavement, well-maintained curbs prevent water from infiltrating and eroding the pavement’s base into potholes and other signs of pavement damage.

Additionally, curbs provide support to the road’s edge, preventing it from crumbling and deteriorating over time – so show some love in return and make sure to support your support system.

Address pavement replacement to avoid drainage distress

Pavement is supposed to be your shield against water, not a sponge that soaks it up.

Over time, through heavy and high-volume traffic, as well as full-spectrum-weather wear and tear, the pavement can become uneven, warped and worn down. Additionally, catch basins can crack or deteriorate, leading to clogging and malfunction. In both cases, these issues produce standing water accumulation, which can weaken the road’s foundation and accelerate pavement deterioration. As a result, properly functioning catch basins are crucial for maintaining road quality and safety.

The road less travelled is less travelled for a reason

The traditional rock-solid guides in our lives may advise against taking the path of least resistance, but when it comes to the pavement, a slick road is always more promising than a bumpy ride. More simply put: ignoring the signs that it needs replacement can lead to costly consequences, not to mention frustrated drivers and pedestrians.

So, when the road starts showing its thinning patience for external wear and tear through potholes, cracks, and ruts, don’t wait until it suffers a structural breakdown. Invest in a fresh start for your road to ensure safe and smooth travels for everyone. Remember, a well-maintained property isn’t just a convenience; it’s a sign of a thriving, responsible community.

Contact Fort York Paving to get started today.

The post Learn the rules of the road: Indicators that the pavement needs replacement first appeared on Fort York Paving.

However, managers must address potholes and other issues with a temporary solution before these pose bigger challenges to work through during the frigid temperatures of the winter season. Here are some items to watch out for when conducting a building inspection before the winter season.

Sunken areas

Sunken areas in your parking lot or near entrances/exits can pool over time with water. These areas then freeze and can cause slips and falls or traffic incidents, posing a hazard and liability issues. As a temporary solution, these areas can be skimmed or filled until thorough repairs can be completed at a later date. These can be done along with filling any potholes to buy some time.

Catch basins

One sign to watch out for is if the asphalt appears to be below the level of the steel frame edge. When this happens, snow plows can get caught in the edge and break the steel, requiring a replacement of the catch basin itself. Another sign to look out for is if there is a significant dip or hole beside or near the catch basin; this indicates a form of collapse of the structure. These two signs, in addition to major cracks and breakage of the asphalt, can save you from a great deal of headaches and costly repairs down the road.

It is crucial to complete a building inspection before the winter season to spot these signs early and adequately address them. The photos below are a perfect example of repairs that Fort York Paving has provided within a client’s limited budget. With plans for a very costly replacement of the entire storefront sidewalk next year, the client needed a temporary solution to address pedestrian trip hazards.

Our team replaced the broken and heaved concrete section with asphalt as a temporary solution, which solved the fundamental issue of providing safety for pedestrians until the permanent solution is implemented.

Early awareness of these issues and a thorough building inspection before the winter season will save you from liability, hazards, and high-cost repairs in the future. Our professional paving company is able to assess your property and implement the right solution at the right time. Get in touch with us at info@fortyorkpaving.com for a property assessment today.

The post Building inspection before the winter season first appeared on Fort York Paving.

Flooding

Heavy rains can cause flooding/standing water in areas without proper slope and drainage. Water that enters through leakage can further damage the internal structure of the building. Similar damage can occur on the roof or basement of the building, where flooding water can seep through existing cracks. Whether it’s a few inches or an extensive amount of water, flooding can last days or weeks and cause substantial damage to your building.

Catch basins

When heavy rains are present, catch basins can break down and eventually flood/collapse, posing a hazard for tenants/customers and their vehicles. How do you know when a catch basin has collapsed or is about to? Watch for signs of cracking and sinkholes, which are evidence that water seepage has caused erosion and cracking has weakened the stone base. It is crucial that you call a paving contractor to have these repaired, or in some cases, have a new installation of the catch basin completed right away.

Further damages to your property

Existing weaknesses, such as potholes and divots, can be further exploited by heavy rains. Potholes occur when the asphalt and roadbed deteriorates, and pools of water weaken the roadbed and pavement structure. Constant traffic and vehicles also further cause these pools of water to seep through cracks into the roadbed underneath. It is particularly important during the spring season to have a proper assessment performed and identify all potholes (as well as cracks that are becoming potholes), as the constant freezing and melting of ice into water leaves potholes vulnerable to further damages.

Now that you’re aware of certain items to watch out for before you call a paving contractor, keep Fort York Paving in mind as your crisis management team to make any necessary repairs if you identify any these items in your building. Our team can be reached at 905-851-1160 and provide more information on pothole repairs, catch basin repairs, and 24/7 emergency services in the Toronto area.

The post Heavy rains are coming: items to look for before calling a paving contractor first appeared on Fort York Paving.