HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE IN ASPHALT: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
If you’ve ever noticed cracks, soft spots, or sudden bumps in your driveway or local street, especially after rain, you could be dealing with hydrostatic pressure.
Hydrostatic pressure happens when water builds up beneath your pavement and has no clear path to drain. Over time, this trapped moisture forces its way upward, putting pressure on the asphalt and leading to premature pavement failure.
💧 What Causes Hydrostatic Pressure?
In St. Louis, St. Charles, and O’Fallon, we see hydrostatic pressure problems often due to:
Heavy clay soils that retain moisture
Poor site grading or improper slope
Clogged or non-existent drainage systems
Freeze-thaw cycles that expand and contract moisture
When water sits under your asphalt, it’s not a matter of if damage will happen, it’s when.
🥷 Drainage First: The Asphalt Ninjas Approach
At Asphalt Ninjas, our #1 priority when patching, paving, or laying new asphalt is ensuring proper water drainage. That’s not just a best practice, it’s essential to the longevity of your pavement.
Every estimate and project we take on includes a careful evaluation of water flow, slope, and runoff. Whether it’s a small patch or a full resurfacing, we make sure water moves away from your pavement, not through it. Ensuring proper water run off and the very reason we offer a 1 year warranty with every job.
🔍 Signs You Might Have a Hydrostatic Pressure Issue:
Cracks that reappear shortly after being filled
Dips, bulges, or heaving in your driveway
Water pooling after rain, even on “flat” surfaces
Soft or spongy spots underfoot
🛠 How We Fix It
Depending on your property, Asphalt Ninjas may recommend:
Regrading or reshaping the surface
Installing or improving drainage channels
Rebuilding the base layer before paving
Using higher-compaction techniques for long-term strength
📍 Protect Your Pavement Investment
Water is asphalt’s worst enemy, but it doesn’t have to be yours. If you live in St. Louis, O’Fallon, or St. Charles and notice signs of poor drainage or hydrostatic pressure, don’t wait.
Let the pros at Asphalt Ninjas diagnose the problem and give you a solution built to last.
If you have drainage issues or hydro-static problems, please give us a phone call at 314-717-0050
www.AsphaltNinjas.com