How Do Oil Stains Affect the Longevity of Pavement?

The Effects of Oil Stains on Asphalt Pavement

Every form of pavement has an expected lifespan, which certain factors can noticeably reduce. While oil damage isn’t immediate, an oil stain can become an issue over longer periods, reducing the overall longevity of the asphalt pavement. Oil will seep into the asphalt surface and break down the structure of the pavement. Oil reacts with the binder in asphalt and causes it to become softer. As the oil weakens the structural integrity, the asphalt becomes more difficult to maintain and repair. It is common for oil to damage a commercial parking lot due to the number of vehicles that contribute to oil stains daily.

Asphalt that is exposed to the hot sun may require additional pavement repair and maintenance. As the surface of asphalt heats up, it more easily absorbs oil, making it more susceptible to damage. There are maintenance measures that you can implement to stop oil stains from damaging and weakening the asphalt surface. Contact Tolliver & Curl if you have questions or need a quote to have your asphalt maintenance scheduled!

Why Preventing and Removing Oil Matters

Oil stains are an eyesore, especially in areas where pedestrians will see them, like in a parking lot. But these stains do more damage to the pavement than just make it look unkempt. Oil stains asphalt by penetrating the surfacing and causing damage within the pavement. Oil stains will impact the lifespan of asphalt by causing the pavement to break apartment. Without removing oil stains, the oil will cause the pavement to become unsafe. Oil makes the surface of the road slippery, and it can cause major cracking and potholes, making the roads less safe for drivers.

Utilizing prevention methods keeps oil from penetrating the pavement, which keeps it stronger for a longer period. Regular removal of the stains prevents the oil from creating a mess and reduces overall maintenance costs. Hiring asphalt professionals to tackle stain removal not only gives your asphalt a professional appearance but also brings safety and reliability. Contact Tolliver & Curl to learn more about our asphalt repair services and how we can protect your road or parking lot from the damage of oil stains.

Protecting Asphalt & Asphalt Maintenance

Sealcoating is the process of adding an additional layer of protection to the asphalt to prevent surface damage from occurring. Sealcoating stops oil from penetrating the surface and causing the binding agent to become loose. Every few years, a sealcoating should be reapplied to save time and money on future maintenance costs. Sealcoating is a standard maintenance procedure in the asphalt paving industry and should always be implemented. Sealcoating will specifically reduce the chances that damage will occur from oil and other threats. Whether you’re using your pavement for parking large vehicles or as a road sealcoating will prevent oil stain damage from occurring.

Filling cracks and patching potholes in asphalt is crucial for longevity. To maintain a strong pavement, you must repair damage before it spreads wider and deeper. Potholes and cracks multiply, leaving you with a deteriorating asphalt pavement. If you continue to maintain and repair the asphalt, oil won’t as easily penetrate the surface and cause more damage to occur.

Removing Oil Stains Quickly

Oil stains asphalt in a way that can be difficult to remove, especially if it’s left for a longer period. When asphalt pavements aren’t regularly maintained, the surface can become cracked and damaged. Because of the structure of asphalt, it becomes rapidly weaker the longer any structural issues are ignored. An oil spot may not seem like a cause for maintenance or repair, but over time, it will get worse. A small stain can cause cracking, which allows oil and other liquids to pass through the surface of the pavement. As the surface is penetrated, the asphalt is more easily broken down, and the cycle repeats itself.

Cracking and potholes are formed due to erosion of the substrate and damage to the surface of the pavement, and both allow oil to seep down and cause more damage. To prevent your road or parking lot from accruing significant damage, have stains removed and your pavement maintained and treated on a standard schedule.

Professional Stain Removal

Engine oil, grease, and other harsh chemicals can stain and devastate asphalt if ignored. Cleaning should take place regularly on surfaces that experience frequent oil drips. Tolliver & Curl have spent seven decades working with concrete and asphalt in Central Ohio. Hiring professional asphalt paving contractors will always yield the best results. Professionals understand which sections of asphalt need maintenance and what cleaning agents are appropriate for the job.

Experience Means Quality & Care

We understand how different tools impact different materials and will make the best decisions for your pavement. Improper use of cleaning agents can make stains worse or cause damage to the pavement. Pressure washing can be a great tool when taking care of oil, but if not done correctly can harm the surface of the pavement. Understanding the asphalt and its needs allows our team of professionals to provide the proper care to fix issues and prevent them from becoming worse!

The Lifespan of Asphalt

The lifespan of asphalt varies depending on the overall environmental conditions, uses, and maintenance records; however, it typically lasts between 15 and 25 years. In warmer climates, asphalt paving can become damaged from the intense heat and UV rays from the sun. Asphalt becomes brittle as the extreme heat dries it out. This is more common when oil stain cleaning is delayed, and the oil can cause further damage. The wear and tear that asphalt undergoes greatly depends on how the pavement is used. A surface that is used for parking is more likely to have oil stains because the vehicles are stationary.

Having professionals provide consistent maintenance to your asphalt greatly increases the lifespan and prevents widespread damage from occurring. If you are consistent in your care, repair the pavement regularly, and ensure oil removal isn’t constantly delayed, you will have a healthier pavement! Sealcoating can be done on a standard schedule after installation in order ot prevent oil spots from doing damage before a cleaning can take place.

Tolliver & Curl Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services

As long-time asphalt professionals in Central Ohio, we take pride in the work we do. We handle any job, no matter how large the scope of the project.

We provide maintenance services to remove stains and prevent damage from oil on pavement surfaces. Our team installs concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs, concrete parking lots, concrete dumpster pads, concrete driveways, and more. With asphalt, we do general repairs, resurfacing, paving, and sealcoating. Our team has extensive experience striping parking lines and paving parking lots. If you have a pavement job, contact Tolliver & Curl for a free estimate and to learn more about our concrete and asphalt services!

Working with Professional Pavers

We consider ourselves paving experts in the city of Columbus and look forward to installing new pavement for you or bringing old pavements back to life. We believe in getting the job done correctly and professionally the first time. Our team completes every job fully with detailed and professional craftsmanship. Our seven decades of experience have not only taught us many tricks-of-the-trade but have given us unique insight into handling every job with care.

If you’re lookikng for new concrete or asphalt paving, removal of stains or stain treatment, pothole repair or any other asphalt needs contract us today. Tolliver & Curl is proud to serve our community and look forward to working with you.