Keeping your asphalt clean is essential, as dirt and debris can cause damage. Sweeping and washing regularly will also make spotting cracks or drainage issues easier.
Sealing
Sealing is one of the most important preventative maintenance tasks to prolong your asphalt’s life. Tiny unfilled cracks allow water (and chemicals) to enter the pavement and erode it from the inside out. If this happens, the damage can cost you big money in repairs.
Keeping your driveway free of debris is another way to extend its lifespan. Rocks, sticks and other material that gets kicked up by vehicles or snow plows can stress the surface and cause cracking and holes to form much earlier than they would otherwise.
It’s a good idea to buy the professional-grade asphalt sealant contractors use and apply it every few years. When you’re ready to seal, ensure the surface is dry and position the cans of sealer upside down for pre-mixing. This allows the solids in the blend to move through the can and mix with the solvent, making it easier to apply when you’re ready to start.
Repairing Cracks
Asphalt cracks are a natural part of aging but can cause serious problems if left untreated. These cracks let water seep into the pavement and erode the subbase. This can lead to a sagging driveway surface or even sinkholes.
Larger cracks can be repaired with rubberized emulsion or cold-patch asphalt repair compound. These products are typically applied with a caulking gun or putty knife. It is also important to clean the cracks of weeds and debris before applying.
Small cracks on an asphalt surface are more common and can be filled with various asphalt crack fillers. These crack fillers are typically made up of ingredients like sand, latex or additives to help the product bond to the surface and reduce drying time.
It is important to check the predicted weather patterns and wait until there are a few days of dry, sunny weather before beginning crack repairs. Also, before using any crack filler, you should hose the area to clean and weed out any remaining debris.
Keeping it Clean
The lifespan of an asphalt driveway or parking lot can be greatly improved by taking a few simple care steps. These include routine sweeping, washing and using a commercial-grade environmental asphalt cleaner. Sealing the pavement also protects it from damage and makes it easier to maintain.
Debris, like dirt, rocks, sticks and leaves, can easily cause pavement cracking. Regular cleaning will prevent the accumulation of these materials on the surface, keeping it in pristine condition.
Chemicals such as gasoline, oil, and de-icing products can deteriorate the surface of your driveway if they are not cleaned up promptly. Soak up spills with kitty litter or another product that will absorb the liquid, then scrub and rinse.
Inspecting your driveway regularly, especially in the winter and summer, will allow you to spot minor problems before they turn into costly repairs. If you can catch them early, your asphalt will last longer and provide a better return on investment for your property.
Keeping it Dry
Keeping your asphalt driveway dry is one of the best things you can do to extend its lifespan. Water is bad for asphalt because it weakens the surface and causes cracking. Water can also seep into small cracks and cause severe damages that require costly repairs.
Paving a new driveway is a big investment, and you want to maximize it. Using preventative maintenance measures like seal coating is one way to do that.
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When seal coating is done properly, it creates a protective layer over your asphalt, shielding it from harmful elements that normally damage the surface. Chemicals, inclement weather, oil spills and UV rays all accelerate the deterioration of asphalt if they need to be addressed quickly.
A protective layer also makes washing and sweeping your asphalt easier, which helps keep it clean. It will also extend its lifespan by keeping it free of debris like rocks, sticks and leaves. It’s also important to ensure the driveway is drained correctly and that no drainage issues lead to standing water.
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Image credit: how to increase the lifespan of your asphalt driveway by envato.com
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