Managing commercial pavement is more than keeping it smooth and clean. For property managers in Utah, the real challenge lies in knowing when the damage you're seeing on the surface is just cosmetic—or a deeper structural issue. When pavement begins to fail, the question becomes clear: can it be repaired, or is it time to start fresh?
Start with a close look at your surface. What appears to be minor cracking or surface wear may actually indicate more extensive problems below. Utah’s extreme temperature swings and high UV exposure can make things worse faster than you might expect. Water intrusion, freeze-thaw cycles, and poor drainage can weaken the base layer over time, even if the asphalt on top still looks serviceable.
Key signs to watch for include alligator cracking, soft spots, extensive rutting, and repeated potholes in the same areas. These aren’t just aesthetic concerns—they’re signs the pavement may be structurally compromised.
Not all damage calls for a full rip-out. In cases where distress is isolated and the underlying subgrade is stable, targeted repair solutions are viable. Localized issues like small potholes or limited cracking can often be corrected with patching or overlays. These solutions can restore functionality and extend usability without the cost of full replacement.
However, even in repairable cases, it’s important to verify that the pavement base hasn’t been compromised. Surface improvements won’t last if the foundation is unstable.
When signs of structural failure start to stack up, repairs can become short-term fixes that waste both time and money. If you're seeing pavement that flexes under pressure, suffers widespread cracking, or has chronic drainage problems, it's likely the base layer has deteriorated beyond effective recovery.
Full replacement also makes sense when the pavement has reached the end of its useful life. Most commercial asphalt surfaces last between 15 to 25 years depending on load, usage, and environmental exposure. Once it passes that threshold, even minor repairs won’t hold up long.
If you're facing tough decisions about your pavement, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Go Pave Utah partners with commercial and business property owners to provide detailed evaluations and honest recommendations. Their team looks beyond the surface—considering subgrade strength, drainage performance, and usage demands—to determine the right long-term solution for your site.
Whether that means targeted structural resurfacing or a full reconstruction, Go Pave Utah ensures your investment is built to last. With their expertise, you get more than a fix—you get a pavement solution that supports safety, durability, and the daily demands of your property.
