Your asphalt or concrete surface may look strong on day one—but what happens beneath the surface determines how long it truly lasts. At We Love Paving, we’ve repaired thousands of parking lots, driveways, and walkways that failed not because of surface wear, but because of poor planning, shortcuts, or lack of maintenance.
In this blog, we’ll break down the top reasons why pavement fails—and how you can prevent it with smart decisions and proactive care.
🧱 1. Poor Subgrade Preparation
The Problem:
Many paving failures begin with the soil underneath. If the subgrade isn’t properly compacted or contains unstable material (like clay or wet silt), it can shift or collapse over time.
The Result:
-
Surface cracking
-
Potholes
-
Settling and uneven areas
How to Prevent It:
At WLP, we begin every project with a soil evaluation. If needed, we improve the base with geotextiles, lime stabilization, or engineered fill—so your pavement has the strong foundation it needs.
💧 2. Inadequate Drainage
The Problem:
Water is pavement’s #1 enemy. Without proper grading and drainage, water seeps below the surface, erodes the base, and weakens the structure from the inside out.
The Result:
-
Alligator cracking
-
Sinkholes or edge collapse
-
Freeze-thaw damage in colder areas
How to Prevent It:
WLP designs drainage systems that move water away from your pavement, including:
-
Proper slope grading
-
Swales and trench drains
-
Edge protection
-
Seamless transitions between surfaces
🧱 3. Low-Quality Materials or Thin Application
The Problem:
Using low-grade asphalt or applying it too thin saves money up front—but reduces the lifespan dramatically.
The Result:
-
Surface degradation within 1–3 years
-
No resistance to vehicle load or weather
-
Frequent, expensive patching
How to Prevent It:
We use high-performance asphalt blends suited to your climate and load conditions, applied at proper thickness for long-term strength (typically 3″ to 6″ compacted in layers).
⚠️ 4. Ignoring Preventive Maintenance
The Problem:
Even the best pavement needs upkeep. Without sealcoating, crack sealing, and regular inspections, small issues grow unnoticed.
The Result:
-
Surface oxidation (gray, brittle look)
-
Water intrusion through cracks
-
Major repairs that could’ve been avoided
How to Prevent It:
WLP offers scheduled maintenance plans including:
-
Sealcoating every 2–3 years
-
Crack sealing
-
Striping refresh
-
Surface inspections to catch problems early
♿ 5. Lack of ADA Planning or Compliance
The Problem:
ADA compliance isn’t just legal—it’s a structural consideration. Ramps, slopes, and transitions must be precise. If not, you risk violations or having to rip and replace.
The Result:
-
Lawsuits or fines
-
Forced reconstruction
-
Safety risks for users
How to Prevent It:
We design and install ADA-compliant layouts from the start, including:
-
Correct slope percentages
-
Truncated domes
-
Accessible parking, ramps, and walkways
🛠️ The WLP Approach: Build It Right, Maintain It Smart
At We Love Paving, we don’t believe in shortcuts. Our approach combines:
-
Engineering-grade preparation
-
Proper grading and drainage
-
Quality materials
-
ADA integration
-
Long-term maintenance planning
We’re here to help you avoid costly failures—and protect your property for years to come.
📞 Need a Site Evaluation?
Let us inspect your lot, driveway, or job site. We’ll show you what’s working, what’s not, and how to prevent failure before it happens.
👉 Call (888) 273-0077 or request a free estimate at welovepaving.com