Paving Blog

WARNING: Hidden Water Damage Is Costing Industrial Property Managers Thousands in Preventable Repairs

Written by Steven Brahney | January 20, 2025

Discover How Smart Property Managers Are Saving $100,000+ in Capital Expenses by Spotting This One Critical Issue Early: 

Dock / Dolly / Landing Pads

 

Water Intrusion at Asphalt-Concrete Joints: Water Sneaking In Where It Doesn’t Belong

"Picture this: A $175,000 asphalt repair proposal just landed on your desk. The cause? A completely preventable water intrusion issue that could have been fixed for under $20,000 if caught early."

Industrial and logistics properties are the lifeblood of supply chains, serving as the bustling hubs where heavy-duty trucks are constantly loading and unloading goods day in and day out. These properties are essential for the seamless movement of products, ensuring that everything from raw materials to finished goods reaches its destination efficiently. At the heart of these operations are the landing gear concrete pads, which are strategically placed to bear the immense weight of parked trailers. These pads are engineered to withstand the constant pressure and stress exerted by the trailers, making them a critical component in maintaining the smooth flow of logistics activities. However, lurking beneath this vital infrastructure is a hidden enemy that could quietly compromise the very foundation of your property’s infrastructure: water intrusion at the asphalt and concrete joints.

Understanding the Critical Impact of Water Damage at Landing Gear and Dolly Pads

Industrial and logistics facilities face unique challenges in maintaining their pavement infrastructure, particularly at the critical junction where asphalt meets concrete at trailer landing gear pads. These specialized areas, designed to support the immense weight of parked trailers, require particular attention to prevent costly damage and operational disruptions.

The Science Behind Joint Deterioration:

The interface between asphalt and concrete creates naturally vulnerable points in your pavement system. This vulnerability stems from several key factors:

  • Thermal Movement: Asphalt and concrete expand and contract at different rates with temperature changes, creating stress at joint points.
  • Material Properties: The distinct physical properties of each material lead to different responses under load and environmental conditions.
  • Load Stress: Constant pressure from heavy trailer landing gear concentrates enormous weight on these transition points.
  • Understanding the Damage Progression:
  • Water infiltration at these joints initiates a cascade of deterioration:
  • Initial Infiltration
  • Microscopic gaps form between materials
  • Water penetrates beneath the surface
  • Base materials begin to saturate
Freeze-Thaw Impact
  • Water expands during freezing
  • Creates pressure within joints
  • Leads to material separation
Structural Compromise
  • Base materials weaken
  • Surface materials crack
  • Adjacent areas begin failing

Financial Implication For Property/Asset Managers:

The cost implications of water infiltration follow a predictable pattern:

Early Stage:

  • Preventive maintenance costs: $2-4 per linear foot
  • Simple joint sealing requirements by a system of routing and sealing the joint with a hot rubberized crack sealant
  • Minimal operational impact

Advanced Stage:

  • Full-depth repairs: $12-20 per square foot
  • Extended facility disruption
  • Potential tenant dissatisfaction
  • Capital expense burden on ownership

Preventive Maintenance Strategy:

Implementing an effective maintenance program involves:

Regular Inspections

  • Quarterly visual assessments
  • Annual detailed evaluation
  • Documentation of changes

Professional Treatment

  • Joint cleaning and preparation
  • Joint routing to allow proper expansion and contraction
  • High-grade sealant application
  • Surface leveling as needed

What Happens If The Joints Are Left Untreated:

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The images above/below illustrate where the asphalt has already started to heave due to the freeze-thaw cycle [ABOVE] and the damage after years of infiltration [BELOW]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Solution: Seal, Protect, and Prevent

The good news is that you can stop water intrusion in its tracks with proactive maintenance and targeted solutions. Here’s how:

  1. Inspect Regularly: Schedule routine inspections to check for gaps, cracks, or other signs of joint failure between asphalt and concrete. Early detection is key to preventing costly repairs.

  2. Seal the Joints: Apply a high-performance joint sealant specifically designed for asphalt-concrete interfaces. These sealants create a flexible, waterproof barrier that accommodates thermal expansion and contraction while preventing water infiltration.

  3. Enhance Drainage: Ensure that water drains away from the joints. Proper grading, functioning catch basins, and well-maintained drainage systems can reduce the amount of water reaching these vulnerable areas.

  4. Repair Promptly: Address small cracks and surface damage as soon as they appear. Infrared asphalt repair is an excellent option for fixing small problem areas without the need for extensive disruptions.

  5. Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans: Partner with a pavement maintenance expert to develop a customized plan for your property. This ensures ongoing care and protects your investment over the long term.
 
Why This Matters for Industrial and Logistics Property Managers $$$
Maximize the life of your asphalt by using CAM for a preventive maintenance plan!

As the backbone of the supply chain, industrial and logistics properties must prioritize operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction. At the same time, water intrusion at asphalt-concrete joints might seem like a minor issue, the long-term consequences can lead to expensive repairs, downtime, and even loss of tenant trust.

By proactively addressing joint issues, you can extend the life of your pavement, reduce maintenance costs, and maintain a safe, functional, and appealing environment for your tenants.

Crack sealing is an essential maintenance task that can be carried out as part of common area maintenance (CAM), a responsibility typically assigned to the tenant. This process involves filling and sealing cracks in the pavement to prevent water from seeping through and causing further damage. By addressing these cracks early, tenants can help maintain the integrity of the pavement and avoid more significant issues down the line.

However, if water infiltration occurs beneath the asphalt, it can lead to severe asphalt failure. This failure manifests as extensive cracking, potholes, and surface degradation, necessitating more intensive repair methods such as milling and paving. Due to their scale and cost, these repairs are not just minor fixes; they are considered capital expenses, and thus, the financial burden falls on the property owner. This underscores the importance of regular maintenance and early intervention to prevent costly repairs and ensure the pavement's longevity.

 

 
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Experience the future of pavement maintenance today. While other contractors still use measuring wheels and clipboards, Fix Asphalt leverages advanced technology to deliver same-day proposals with pinpoint accuracy. Our digital assessment process means you can have a detailed scope of work and exact pricing in your inbox today. Call 1-877-349-2774 now to schedule your digital property assessment and discover how our tech-driven approach saves you time and money while delivering superior results. As a bonus, we'll include our exclusive "Digital Property Assessment Report" ($997 value) free with your consultation.

 

Click the "Learn More" link below to learn more about how we can help industrial and logistics property and asset managers: