8 Ways the Best Asphalt Solutions Work Against Water Damage

While most people probably don’t think that asphalt is particularly fragile, it can be quite vulnerable under certain conditions. New Zealand’s high rainfall and diverse climate conditions are particularly hard on asphalt, often leading to cracks and potholes down the line. Fortunately, proper installation will delay these outcomes for many years.

The best asphalt solutions, however, involve much more than just laying on new layers and calling it a day. In many cases, they consider the visible top layer as just one piece of a more complex system that involves many other parts you can’t see.

Going with these premium solutions offers exceptional value, as it can keep water damage at bay for decades, saving you thousands of dollars. Let’s explore why better asphalt solutions are needed for Dunedin’s climate:

1. Superior Subgrade Preparation

Hasty subgrade preparation can quickly turn minor rain events into major structural problems. Unfortunately, poor subgrade work is commonplace, as it is out of sight of property owners and inspectors.

Expert asphalt contractors will invest significant time in compacting and grading the subgrade to prevent water from pooling underneath the surface. This creates a stable, free-draining base and keeps the upper layers intact and level for years. Better subgrades also help simplify asphalt repair when it becomes necessary.

2. Better Slope and Surface Grading

Water should never sit stagnant on your asphalt surface. Professional asphalt contractors will implement careful grading so that water never lies stagnant on your asphalt, particularly near vulnerable areas like joints, edges, and foundations. Your driveway or car park will always have a slope, directing water towards appropriate drainage channels and avoiding problems before they even begin.

3. Materials with Better Water Resistance

Dunedin’s combination of high rainfall and occasional sub-zero temperatures means that moisture infiltration can be a serious problem. Should water pool into surface cracks or in the subgrade, ice expansion can rapidly degrade the asphalt. For that reason, it’s critical to use premium-grade bitumen and aggregates that resist moisture infiltration better than cheaper alternatives. Asphalt Services Ltd. sources only top-quality materials suited to New Zealand conditions, ensuring your surfaces stay resilient against moisture.

4. Incorporating Porous Asphalt Options when Appropriate

Sometimes, the correct solution is not more water resistance, but more porous surfaces. For instance, in areas prone to heavy rain, it may make more sense to use a porous but still high-quality asphalt to let water drain directly, avoiding pooling and erosion.

Installing this kind of asphalt is not exactly the same process as traditional solutions, as a different type of sublayer is needed. If you live in a rainy area, be sure to choose a contractor who knows when and how to install special asphalts.

5. Correct Use of Sealcoats and Surface Treatments

A high-quality sealcoat forms a barrier that significantly slows the natural ageing process of asphalt. Today, you can find treatments that help resist water penetration, UV degradation, and chemical spills. Asphalt Services can advise you on the best sealcoats and maintenance schedules to suit your surface and local conditions.

6. Precise Joint Sealing

The gaps and joints between sections of asphalt or where asphalt meets concrete are often problem areas for water pooling and infiltration. This is especially the case with DIY jobs or when inexperienced contractors are used.

Expert asphalt contractors will spend time ensuring these areas are properly sealed using the best techniques and materials. This will allow the joints to expand and contract with ambient temperatures without compromising the seal.

7. Expertly-Installed Drainage Systems

A good drainage system will significantly extend the lifespan of a properly installed asphalt surface. However, designing and installing effective drainage can be a complicated process involving integrated solutions like swales, catch basins, trench drains, and kerbing. Professional contractors like Asphalt Services will help ensure your drainage meets and exceeds the needs of your site, keeping your asphalt pristine for years to come.

8. Proactive Maintenance and Inspections

The Dunedin area is particularly hard on asphalt, and even the best-quality installations may succumb to the elements if you don’t keep an eye out. The best professional services may recommend and offer regular inspections to identify any potential issues before they become a full-blown crisis. This kind of preventative maintenance is always going to be more cost-effective than major repairs after water damage has already set in.

Asphalt Services Keeps Your Property Secure Against Water Damage

At Asphalt Services, we bring decades of experience and intimate local knowledge to every project, all so that your asphalt installations are built to endure Dunedin’s unique climate challenges. Whether you're building a new driveway or maintaining an existing surface, you can trust Asphalt Services to put the work in. We are contractors who prioritise quality, attention to detail, and doing what it takes to keep your asphalt safe from water damage.

Call us at 034772825 or 0274327631 for a free site assessment. We’re happy to discuss the best ways to protect your asphalt for years to come.