Asphalt, if designed, installed and maintained properly can last almost indefinitely but it can fail in several ways if not maintained. The most common failures are caused by the following:

• Asphalt oils can break down due to sun exposure,
• Inadequately designed asphalt thickness and base substrate to handle expected traffic loads can lead to deterioration, and,
• Uncontrolled irrigation run-off with an inadequate slope to drain water can lead to deterioration.

Following are common terms related to asphalt.

• Remove and Replace: The process for completely removing and replacing the existing pavement. This is the most expensive type of repair.
• Resurface: The process of installing a new layer of asphalt over the existing pavement. The new layer is typically 1.5 inches to 2 inches thick.
• Seal Coat: Application of an asphalt emulsion over the asphalt to avoid oxidation or breakdown of the asphalt oil due to UV rays.
• Crack Sealing: The injection of hot liquid such as rubberized sealant into isolated cracks. This prevents water from making its way to the substrate below the asphalt. Crack sealing should be used in conjunction with seal coating.
• Slurry Seal: Similar to a seal coat but with more aggregate mix in the emulsified asphalt.

Maintenance Suggestions:

• Seal coating should be done every 3 to 5 years. Hot inland areas will need to seal coat more often than areas near the coast.
• Resurface the asphalt every 10 to 12 years.
• Cracks should not be left untreated. Cracks between the asphalt and curb and gutter, or long continuous cracks, can be sealed. Alligator cracks cannot be sealed. These areas of asphalt should be replaced.
• For new communities, seal coating should be done within one year of the completion of construction when the asphalt is fully cured.