For many homeowners, an asphalt driveway provides a practical and relatively inexpensive option, but regular maintenance is required to keep it in great condition. Although asphalt can last for a long time, without the right care, even the strongest material can crack, break, and fade over time. Fortunately, homeowners can perform their own asphalt driveway maintenance to prolong the lifespan of their pavement. We will guide you through the various steps that offer the most effective assistance in preserving your driveway.
1. Clean Your Driveway Regularly
The most straightforward method of maintaining your asphalt driveway is to keep it clean. Such foreign matter such as dirt or leaves, can collect on the surface gradually and cause staining, which is hard to repair, and generally severe damage from lack of cleaning. This essentially means that you should buff your driveway periodically.
Oil, gas or other chemical stains from the car is also one type of stain that can ruin your asphalt with time if it is not clean up upon seeing. Scrub them out with a degreaser or an asphalt-friendly cleaner to remove the oil marks. A clean driveway does not only improve its aesthetics value, but it also protects your drive way from long term damage.
2. Sealcoat Every Few Years
Sealcoating is considered the best pavement maintenance option for asphalt driveways. It isThe coating method protects the surface from harmful effects of water, sunlight, and chemicals. so helps keep cracks and potholes at bay.
How Often Should A Driveway Be Sealcoated : Experts recommend sealcoating your driveway every two to three years, depending on the climate and traffic volume. Applying sealcoat on a regular basis can help in keeping your asphalt maintained and protected from the elements.
3. Repair Cracks and Potholes Immediately
Even with the best care, cracks are inevitable. Though, the sooner you respond to these early signs, the less damage will be done. Water seepage caused from small cracks will expand and contract in the space of the foundation forming heaves that can grow cracks or turn into pot holes over time.
Once you see a small crack, seal it with a crack filler. You will have to perform patchwork using the layers of pavement and they might not appear perfect afterward, but you may need a professional for more significant cracks or potholes. Repairing these problems early can save you from more expensive headaches later and help keep your driveway going for longer.
4. Prevent Water Accumulation
One of the most dangerous components for an asphalt driveway is water itself. However, when water builds up on the top or flows into cracks, it can erode and break down the structure of your driveway. Over time, this can lead to cracks, potholes, and overall degradation of your driveway.
Avoid any risk of water damage by providing proper drainage for your driveway. This might mean modifying the grade of your driveway, or you may need to install some drainage ditches along the sides. Make sure to attend to the problem quickly, and especially if you observe water pooling after a rain, as prolonged exposure can cause lasting harm.
Also, make sure that downspouts from gutters discharge water off of the driveway. Keeping water from sitting on the asphalt will also help it deteriorate more slowly.
5. Avoid Heavy Loads
Heavy weight can dent asphalt, despite its toughness. Heavy vehicles or equipment, if not designed to support them, can leave deep impressions or cracks in your driveway. If possible, avoid placing or parking heavy trucks, construction equipment, and trailers on asphalt pavement.
If you need to park heavier vehicles, consider placing a piece of plywood or something similar underneath the tires to distribute the weight more evenly. Also, this is an extra that can help save your driveway from strain, which can cause deterioration.
6. Watch for Edges and Roots
Because the middle sections of your asphalt driveway have subterranean support, they can typically hold up under more weight. Do not park vehicles or store heavy items on the edges because this could lead to cracked or crumbling asphalt.
Tree roots can cause damage to your driveway when they expand too far. Soil can move towards the asphalt and will be on top of the new base making grow roots while releases gases entering breaking cracks and being anything but flush plane. Avoid this by keeping trees and shrubs a good distance from your driveway. If you notice signs of root attack, consult an expert to determine the appropriate course of action.
7. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
Cleaning your driveway is important but do not use any harsh chemical solutions as it can break down the asphalt and be a leading cause of pothole creation. As an example, the surface can be attacked by products as simple as rock salt in winter months. Adding any product containing salt to your asphalt driveway or parkway will cause serious damage. Use asphaltsafe products like magnesium chloride for de-icing and cleaning instead.
Keep gasoline, oil, and other solvents off your driveway because they soften and decolorize asphalt. If a spill happens, instantly take up the spill along with a Degreaser or soapy water.
8. Protect Against Freeze-Thaw Cycles
If you reside in a region with frigid winters, like Boulder, your asphalt driveway may suffer significant damage due to freeze-thaw cycles. Water infiltrating the cracks freezes and expands in cold temperatures, making them open further. Before winter arrives, fill the cracks and seal your driveway as a final precaution against potential damage.
You might use a snow blower or plastic shovel to clear the snow in your driveway as well. The snowplows and metal shovels can scratch away at the surface of the asphalt, causing harm.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is the key to getting the longest life from your driveway. Sealing the pavement when necessary will help keep it clean, but if you allow for proper preventative maintenance that prevents cracking and ensures that cracks are addressed immediately to prevent greater damage to your driveway, then up to twenty years is possible.
If you manage your water, avoid heavy loads, and use friendly asphalt products, your asphalt driveway will last longer. By taking a little care and attention, your asphalt driveway can look good, but most importantly, it will preserve a smooth surface and also sustain to surface for many years.