Asphalt and Concrete

Asphalt and Concrete

Other than landscaping, asphalt and concrete literally cover the majority of the surfaces of your community. You and your residents walk on it, drive on it, bike on it, and play on it every day. Yet, these surfaces are often overlooked until the day a resident rushes into the office to report an injury or a damaged vehicle, threatening to sue the property for negligence. Like anything else, these pavement surfaces eventually wear down causing cracks that can lead to depressions and potholes. At this time of year especially, cold and wet winter weather take their toll. When the temperature drops, asphalt and concrete contract. The constant temperature changes of our weather in Texas exacerbates the wear and tear affecting the overall integrity of your pavement and reducing the life expectancy of these surfaces.

Moisture is also a factor. Sleet, snow and rain can seep into those small cracks or holes.  As this moisture freezes and expands, it causes existing cracks or potholes to grow –sometimes creating very large cavities or buckles in the surface.

In addition to extreme temperatures and water, the speed and severity of this process is also largely influenced by the contributing factors of traffic volume and vehicle weight. Under these conditions, questionable areas can become full blown asphalt and concrete failures in a relatively short period of time. Suddenly, a forgotten, uneven sidewalk or growing pothole becomes an emergency. If a pothole at your community is the size of a softball in the beginning stages, it can grow to be large enough to damage the front bumper of a car if left unattended. While this may sound extreme, it can happen in a matter of weeks.

How should management address these issues and implement a plan to minimize potential problems? The answer is to be proactive. It is always less expensive and more manageable to repair problem areas when they are small, instead of dealing with them in an emergency situation. Not only will it be less expensive, it is less frustrating for both the management personnel and the residents. Being proactive also means you will not be forced to make hasty decision based on risk and liability, rather than your budget.

Preventative maintenance of pavement surfaces can help you weather the winter by keeping you in control of repairs, while reflecting your commitment to caring for your community.

If you are in the market for an Asphalt & Concrete contractor, be sure to visit www.thevendorguide.com and view our trusted vendors in your area. Also, check out our Bid-Quest resource for fast, easing quoting.

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