A driveway is the first thing that is noticed by anyone coming to your home. Still, it remains as the most ignored part as a majority of the homeowners hardly indulge in its care.

Asphalt is one of the most common materials used for driveways in Melbourne as it has some great benefits like durability and cost-effectiveness.  Moreover, it is quite attractive and adds on to the visual appeal of your property. Hence, as they have become quite prominent amongst the properties, the asphalt companies in Melbourne have come up with really amazing options to enhance your property.

But, as nothing is permanent, so does the asphalt driveways. Though the wear and tear of the driveways can be pushed ahead by taking some effective care measures, still, over time, most driveways will begin to crack and the material will start to break down. Do you have any idea behind these cracks on your driveways?

Well, there are many reasons that can cause cracks in your asphalt driveways in Melbourne. Let’s find out.

What Causes Cracks in Your Asphalt Driveways?

1. Moisture

As the driveways are open to the weather adversities, the changing weather conditions can have a great impact on them. With moisture in the air, the water wears down and infiltrates any paved surface. It further begins to wash away the sand base of your asphalt driveways which causes the top surface layer to bend, ultimately leading to cracks.

2. Heat

When the asphalt driveways in Melbourne are constantly exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, it dries out the asphalt causing it to wear out and break down. The heat causes the ingredients to break apart and further it leads to cracking due to actions like foot traffic or car parking.

3. Ground Movements

You may never realise, but there are ground movements constantly occurring due to seasonal changes like thaw and frost. Other reasons can be natural disasters that further put pressure on the asphalt, resulting in cracks and potholes. You can also fix it by replacing or patching up the damaged area. Applying an overlay to the entire driveway can help you solve your issue.

4. Improper Installation

This is one of the major reasons that lead to cracking. It all depends on finding the right asphalt companies in Melbourne. If these companies are not experienced enough, there are chances that it has been installed improperly. Moreover, the other reason is that they tend to use light materials to save time or money.  So, expansion of materials takes place when it becomes wet, putting uneven pressure on your driveway. For long-lasting asphalt pavement, read our blog on 7 important things that you need to consider while paving your driveways.

5. Tree Roots

If you are a greenery lover and are constantly growing the tree roots, it can cause a tremendous force on your asphalt driveways in Melbourne. As and when these tree roots grow, they apply uneven pressure on the driveway, resulting in cracks. Hence, you need to be cautious while planting trees in your driveways.

6. Soil Erosion

Soil erosion refers to washing away of the soil due to rainwater that occurs typically on a sloped site from higher to a lower level. This basically occurs near the water-zoned areas like streams and rivers as water keeps on moving under the soil towards the lower levels. To avoid cracks due to the soil erosion, you can directly apply a new layer of asphalt on it.

7. Clay Soil

A clay soil can shrink during dry spells and can even swell up during heavy rains. This cycle of swelling and shrinking can cause the ground under a driveway to pull up and down with the seasons. This can again lead to cracks.

8. Excessive Pressure

The pressure that a driveway can withhold depends on a number of factors including the material, the depth of the material, the base or foundation of the driveway and if the material is reinforced or not. If you are exerting more pressure than your asphalt driveways can actually withstand, it is bound to crack over time.

9. Sinkholes

Sinkholes can damage the driveway. It starts with small depressions in the soil, which will further grow over time until it collapses. Hence, ensure that your driveway doesn’t reach this stage. Resort to necessary repairs to keep the condition of your driveway intact.

10. Poor Site

This is your construction issue. If your property observes cracks in the few years of its construction, it means the inadequate soil has been used before laying the concrete. If these cracks turn out to be big, you must consider cutting it out or replacing it, as advised by your asphalt companies in Melbourne.

Conclusion

Always remember, small cracks can lead to large cracks over time if they are left untreated. Hence, it is best to carry out the required repairs in order to maintain your asphalt driveways in Melbourne. For maintenance tips, read our blog on 6 important tips to maintain your asphalt driveways. This will even help you optimise the value of your property.