Asphalt is a popular and widely recommended building material for paving driveways, parking lots, and roadways. It’s highly durable, long-lasting, cost-effective, and relatively low-maintenance compared to most other options.
However, you should properly maintain asphalt if you want to ensure its effectiveness and maximize its lifespan. There are quite a few steps involved in this, and it has more to do than just cleaning dirt off its surface.
To give you a better idea, here are some tips to help you take care of asphalt surfaces you have at your home.
Tip #1: Clean out dirt and fallen leaves
Debris on your driveway will trap moisture, causing cracks to develop. To avoid cracks from forming, make sure to remove debris whenever you see them or make it a habit to perform daily cleaning.
Various debris that you should remove immediately include:
- Fallen leaves
- Small rocks
- Dirt and dust
- Small twigs
You can clean up debris by sweeping them off or using a leaf blower. This will effectively clean the surface without damaging it.
Tip #2: Repair developing potholes and cracks
The contraction and expansion of groundwater cause potholes to form on asphalt surfaces. At the same time, excessive foot traffic or constant heavy pressure can lead to similar problems.
When not repaired immediately, these holes and cracks can expand over time, damaging the surface even further. Once you noticed potholes and cracks, make sure to contact a professional paver to repair such damages.
Tip #3: Perform drain and gutter inspection
Another cause of potholes and cracks in the asphalt’s surface is water leakage from nearby drains and gutters. These leaks can develop pools of water on your driveway, leading to further damage. Additionally, excess moisture can cause mildew and bacteria to grow on the surface.
To avoid that from happening, make sure to:
- Regularly inspect drain and gutter fixtures
- Clear out debris on these fixtures
- Repair leaks and clogs right away
Tip #4: Wash off leaked liquids from a vehicle
When you notice fluids coming from your vehicle leaking on your driveway, make sure to wash them off immediately. These liquids contain chemicals that can be harmful to asphalt surfaces, causing significant damage.
Liquids you should clean up coming from your vehicle are:
- Gas
- Oil
- Transmission fluid
Tip #5: Apply seal coating
Seal coating, also called pavement sealing, involves applying a protective coating onto asphalt surfaces to prevent damages caused by debris, oil, water, traffic, and UV rays. Simply put, seal coating slows down the penetration of liquid into the ground. It also protects your paving from moisture, minimizing the development of potholes and cracks.
If you want to ensure the effectiveness of a seal coat on your driveway, make sure to clear the area as it dries and sets. Typically, you would need to wait a day or two before you allow vehicles or people onto your asphalt driveway.
Conclusion
Asphalt is an excellent material for paving your driveway and parking space at home. It can withstand high-traffic for years, but certain circumstances can damage its surface. Potholes and cracks are likely to develop when there is a pile-up of debris, pooling of water, and leaking of harmful chemicals on the surface. To protect your paving from such damaging elements, seal coat your asphalt paving regularly.
If you are looking to hire asphalt driveway paving contractors in Ocean County, NJ, make sure to get in touch with us today. We offer quality paving, milling, and hauling services!