Is Raveling A Problem For Your Driveway?

The two primary ingredients in asphalt are binder and aggregate. The binder is what you likely associate with asphalt, while the aggregate is a mixture of small rocks, stones, pebbles, and similar materials. Aggregates give asphalt its telltale appearance and texture, but they're also crucial to provide load-bearing support for the surface. Some asphalts also contain additional filler materials.

Raveling is a specific type of asphalt issue that primarily affects the aggregate. While certain issues, such as potholes, may appear suddenly, raveling is a slow process that causes your driveway to lose its aggregate over many months or years. It can be challenging to spot raveling as it begins, but it's unmistakable as it worsens.

How Can You Spot Raveling?

Anything that physically damages your driveway can cause it to lose aggregates. For example, cracks or potholes can take whole chunks away from the driveway, creating large chunks to separate from the rest of the surface. However, these chunks are usually still recognizable as asphalt and typically contain aggregate locked in a binder.

On the other hand, a raveling driveway will lose its aggregate in more discrete bits. Instead of large chunks of binder and stone, you'll likely see loose pebbles, gravel, and other aggregate materials around your driveway. The early signs may be relatively easy to miss, but you'll notice more and more loose stones on your driveway as the pavement continues to deteriorate.

Should You Worry?

Raveling has numerous causes, ranging from old asphalt well past its expiration date to excessive wear on new pavement. If the raveling appears limited to a few areas, it may be the result of damage from heavy equipment, snow plows, or other physical damage. On the other hand, widespread raveling can be a sign of more serious trouble.

If you're noticing a substantial amount of raveling on your driveway, it's generally a good idea to contact a professional asphalt company. While even widespread raveling doesn't necessarily indicate an unrepairable problem, it is an issue that's worth further investigation. At a minimum, you may need to increase how often you sealcoat your driveway.

What Can You Do?

Sealcoating is one of the best ways to prevent raveling, but what if you already have a significant problem? Fortunately, most professional asphalt companies can repair this type of damage as long as it's not too severe. Several options are available for fixing raveling patches on your driveway, but you'll need a professional one to help you decide which is best.

In a worst-case scenario, you may need to tear down and repave your driveway. While this option may seem extreme, a severely raveled driveway will only continue to deteriorate, so repaving is often the best option to maintain a smooth and attractive surface.

Contact an asphalt paving contractor to learn more.