If you’re in charge of preserving a public road, a parking lot, or just your own driveway, you may already know a thing or two about asphalt maintenance. Asphalt is a top paving material thanks to its versatility, affordability, and durability, but it still requires occasional upkeep. Making time for asphalt maintenance pays off in the long run, as it can prevent safety hazards and add years to the lifespan of the surface.
Keep in mind that the frequency of required asphalt maintenance can vary a lot depending on various factors, especially the climate of the area and the amount of use the asphalt surface gets. So there isn’t a universal timeline that can tell you exactly how often you need to seal your driveway. The most important thing is to keep an eye out for signs of damage, so you can fix narrow cracks and similar problems before they get bigger.
In this blog post, we’re going over what you need to know in order to keep your asphalt surface in good shape for many years to come.
Keep the surface clean
Regular cleaning is an important, but sometimes overlooked, part of asphalt maintenance. Mud and oil stains are eyesores that can make the asphalt surface appear older than it is. Plus, certain kinds of debris, such as piles of fallen leaves, prevent the asphalt from drying properly and may accelerate deterioration.
Most of the time, a good old-fashioned broom works fine for cleaning off your asphalt driveway. However, if you’re dealing with stains that are hard to get out, a pressure washing session might be in order.
Ensure proper drainage
Sealing the asphalt surface is one of the most basic—yet effective—ways that you can protect the area from UV rays, ice, and other elements that cause asphalt to deteriorate over time. Many people also prefer the aesthetics of a sealed driveway, since the uniform color gives it a neat appearance. Keep in mind that sealing a brand new asphalt surface is not recommended, as the material takes several months to cure.
However, you certainly don’t have to wait until you see wear and tear before applying a layer of sealer to the surface. In fact, we recommend doing it as soon as the surface is cured, before you forget about it. After all, that’s the whole spirit of asphalt maintenance: fixing it before it breaks.