Water is one of asphalt’s worst enemies. It might not seem like a major concern at first glance, but poor drainage is one of the leading causes of pavement failure. When left unchecked, even minor standing water can cause serious damage to roads, parking lots, and driveways—costing property owners thousands in repairs.
If you’ve ever seen a smooth blacktop surface suddenly riddled with cracks, potholes, or sinking edges, chances are water was at the root of the problem.
When drainage isn’t properly managed, water collects on the surface and eventually seeps into small cracks. As it penetrates the pavement layers, it starts weakening the subbase—the compacted layer beneath the asphalt that gives it structure and support.
In colder months, this water freezes and expands. When it thaws, it leaves behind gaps, voids, and soft spots. The result? Widespread cracking, potholes, and even total pavement failure in extreme cases.
In warmer months, standing water accelerates oxidation and surface erosion. You’ll often see faded asphalt, early rutting, or depressions forming around heavy-traffic zones like loading docks or parking stalls.
Even brand-new pavement can deteriorate quickly if water isn’t directed away from the surface efficiently.
If your lot has low points or flat sections, water will naturally pool there. Regrading the asphalt surface or adjusting slope angles can help redirect runoff.
Catch basins, trench drains, and storm inlets collect and channel water away from your pavement. These systems need to be properly placed, maintained, and free of clogs to work effectively.
A poorly compacted or outdated subbase won’t support proper drainage. Reinforcing this layer during paving or resurfacing provides a stable foundation that resists water intrusion.
Preventative maintenance like crack sealing and sealcoating stops water from penetrating asphalt in the first place. These services are especially effective when done in spring or early fall.
Strengthening pavement edges and transitions to concrete or landscaping helps prevent erosion caused by runoff or gutter overflows.
Think of drainage like insurance for your asphalt. A well-designed system protects your investment, minimizes emergency repairs, and improves safety for vehicles and pedestrians. It also supports better compliance with environmental regulations and ADA standards in commercial spaces.
At Huntington Paving, we understand how drainage issues can silently undermine even the best asphalt work. That’s why we build every paving project—from driveways to commercial lots—with proper slope, grading, and runoff control in mind. Our team also offers drainage retrofits, catch basin repairs, and preventative maintenance to extend the life of your surface.
Serving clients on Long Island, New York, and parts of Connecticut, we’re here to help you identify problems early and fix them before they escalate.
Contact Huntington Paving today to schedule a site visit and protect your pavement from water damage.
