A new asphalt surface is, without a doubt, a major investment, whether it’s a new driveway in front of your home or a new parking lot adjacent to your place of business. So it makes sense that you would want to extend the life of your new paved surface for as long as possible. The good news is that asphalt, if it’s properly cared for, can last 20 years or longer. So follow these steps to protect your asphalt investment.
- Keep it clean. Sweep all debris off of your asphalt on a regular basis. That means removing leaves, gravel, dirt and trash. If debris is left on the surface, is can prevent adequate drainage, and water buildup can damage the surface.
- Make sure your drainage is adequate. We can’t say it enough – water is the enemy of asphalt. Standing water on an asphalt surface can seep through the surface and into the sub-base, where it can damage the foundation of your pavement.
- Remove weeds and vegetation. Weeds and grass that can sprout in asphalt cracks have roots that can spread underneath the surface, allowing water into seep in and create cracks and pot holes.
- Repair damage right away. Even tiny cracks (known as “alligator cracks”) can ruin an asphalt surface if not repaired quickly. Remember that small cracks allow water to seep through the surface, and that will eventually damage the sub-base. As soon as you see small cracks, contact your paving contractor to have them repaired.
- Remove oil and vehicle fluids. Oil and other fluids used in vehicles break down the chemical bond of the asphalt mix, making it much more susceptible to cracking, pot holes, etc. Remove any of these fluids as soon as possible with a cleaner designed for that purpose.
- Have the surface seal coated. Seal coating not only fills in small cracks in an asphalt surface; it also protects it against the weather. All asphalt surfaces need to be seal coated on a regular basis. Ask your paving contractor to recommend how often seal coating needs to be applied to your pavement.
Protecting your asphalt investment isn’t really that difficult. It just requires a good working relationship with a trusted, professional paving contractor. Effective asphalt maintenance varies depending on your location and climate, so choose a local paving company. They will understand your climate and how it affects asphalt surfaces. They can tell you how best to care for your pavement so that investment remains intact for many, many years to come!