Natural disasters strike when you are least expecting it, sometimes leaving you with a variety of damage that needs to be cared for immediately. One piece of damage that often gets overlooked is how the disaster affected your home or business’s pavement, whether it was a driveway or a parking lot. Today, we will cover what you need to know when it comes to paving versus natural disasters.
Tornados and Hurricanes
Sadly, tornados and hurricanes are an undeniable force that can sweep through the land with devasting force. There is little anyone can do to prevent damage from these storms. After they have swept through, the damage inflicted can be assessed to be fixed or replaced. Speaking with a paving specialist about your situation will yield the best options available to you.
Earthquakes
The size of the earthquake will likely determine the extent of damage to your paving. In some cases, the earthquake will cause zero damage, sometimes it will leave cracks, and sometimes it will cause a shift in the earth large enough that the paving needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that the earth settling is a natural phenomenon that can happen with or without the occurrence of an earthquake.
In the event the pavement needs to be replaced, it is best to get it done as quickly as possible to ensure that you are not putting yourself, family, friends, pets, or customers’ safety at risk. You want to make sure that the pavement is safe to walk and drive on at all times. While you wait for a replacement, it is best to keep that part of the pavement inaccessible to others for their safety.
If you are simply facing small cracks, you can repair the cracks yourself. Most home improvement stores have a variety of products available that you can use to fill the existing cracks. By filling the cracks, you are helping to seal them to prevent crack enlargement. It is recommended to always finish crack repairs before winter, before water and freezing temperatures can cause further damage. Keep in mind that crack repairs will only work for so long before the section needs to be replaced. If you are wondering whether you should repair or replace, speaking with your paving specialist will help you choose the best option.
Flooding
Water is paving’s worst enemy! Water naturally decreases the strength and integrity of paving overtime, and the damage is exponential in instances where the water becomes trapped like with inadequate drainage systems or flooding.
Sometimes, you can see the damage like cracks, potholes, and puddles. However, that is not always the case. On occasion, the water will be trapped under the base and damage it from the inside. You won’t even notice until the area starts to cave in drastically, or depressions are left after a car drives over it. In these instances, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to repair the damage. In most cases, a full replacement will be needed. Again, speaking with a paving specialist will determine which option is right for you.
Contact your local paving specialist to speak with a specialist today to get a quote on your paving project.
Recent Comments