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Asphalt pavement is used for numerous places, and you’ll come across it on walkways, driveways, parking, playing areas, etc. It is a sturdy surface that stays in great form for a long time. However, it might need some repairs and maintenance from time to time.
Nowadays, asphalt driveways have become pretty mainstream. Almost every homeowner opts for asphalt pavement or driveway because of its durability. Even then, many people are unaware of this material. If you are one of the clueless ones, check out the explanation of asphalt below.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a combination of small rocks and concrete rubble; combined in a petroleum mixture. It is a blacktop surface, which is a cost-effective way to secure the pavement. Getting asphalt for your driveway is not a difficult task as it is readily available in the market. You might think that if something is affordable, it may have questionable quality. However, it’s the opposite here, as asphalt is one of the best quality materials for driveways.
If maintained with care and appropriately treated, your asphalt driveway can last for decades. An asphalt driveway can tolerate rough weather conditions, extreme temperatures, pressure, and other harsh conditions. But since unfortunate incidents can occur anywhere, your asphalt driveway is prone to damage due to numerous reasons. Without proper maintenance, a minor crack in the pavement can become a bigger problem. Some of the issues to look out for are:
- Cracking around the edges
- Grass growing from the sides
- Alligator cracks present in-between
- Potholes and oil spots on the surface
If your house has an asphalt driveway, it is best to invest in its maintenance to ensure its robustness and durability. And since this is a task that requires utmost expertise, hiring professionals in your region would do you good. For the residents of Stamford, approaching the driveway paving Stamford CT for pavement maintenance is indeed a viable option. Their expert crew will help with all of your pavement repair and maintenance needs, from stripping to crack filling.
How to maintain an asphalt driveway?
Wondering how to maintain an asphalt driveway? Maintenance is critical for an asphalt driveway’s longevity. For your ease, here are some easy ways to maintain your driveway in the best shape possible.
Make timely and frequent repairs
There is genuinely no point in delaying the repairs. Whenever you see a small crack on your driveway, get it fixed right away. By getting timely maintenance done, you are preventing any significant damage from happening. Not just that, but frequent and timely pavement maintenance will reduce the repair costs. If you do not repair the driveway on time, its condition will worsen with time, and you might have to replace it. Therefore, keep an eye out for the minor damages and do not let them escalate further.
Also, asphalt driveways located in colder places are more susceptible to damage than driveways in hotter areas. That’s because, during wintertime, water flowing into the driveway surface freezes and starts expanding. Eventually, the cracks extend further and ruin the entire pavement. By sealing these cracks timely, you can prevent water from seeping into the asphalt driveway. Therefore, take timely action or bear costly repairs later.
Invest in seal coating your asphalt driveway
Apart from immediate pavement repairs, invest in seal coating the entire driveway for additional protection. With the help of seal coating over the surface, the asphalt driveway can last longer than expected. Consider it as a seal of safety that minimizes the risk of damages from external elements. When the outer surface remains protected, the asphalt driveway remains in great shape.
If you have recently paved your driveway, get the seal coating done immediately. For an old driveway, try to add an extra layer of seal coating, so the asphalt stays protected. According to most asphalt experts, you must recoat the driveway after every two to three years. If your asphalt ages slowly (according to the changing weather conditions), go for recoating after four years.
Properly clean the asphalt surface
To safeguard your asphalt driveway and keep it in pristine condition, do some regular cleaning. Just like your house needs regular cleaning, your driveway needs some attention too. If you have had any recent repairs on the surface, regular cleaning will increase its longevity. Therefore, any debris that accumulates over the edges needs proper cleaning. You must look for weeds, sediment, and grass on the surface and get rid of them. If you notice any fuel or oil stains, clean them before they leak into the surface. You can use a simple broom or blower to clean any dust on the driveway. For thorough cleaning of the driveway, use a pressurized water hose to clean stubborn dirt or stains.
While you are at it, prevent any water puddles from forming on the driveway. Your asphalt driveway needs to stay dry as much as possible. If pools of water start to form, they will eventually create potholes or lead to big cracks on the surface. During heavy rainfall, wipe out any standing water from the driveway and keep it waterless at all times.
Hire an asphalt contractor
Most people cannot make the time for pavement maintenance. Their driveways start looking bad, with noticeable cracks appearing on the surface. If you cannot keep up with driveway maintenance, hire an asphalt contractor to do the needed. A contractor specializes in the upkeep of asphalt driveways. By hiring them, you take a professional’s help to make the necessary repairs before it gets too late.
The bottom line
Pavement maintenance is not a complicated process. By strictly sticking to the tips mentioned above, you can easily protect your asphalt driveway and maintain its condition. Through frequent repairs, you will understand how worthwhile this investment has been for your driveway. The money you invest in the timely upkeep will prevent you from any expensive repairs in the future. So, what are you waiting for then? Do what is needed before your driveway starts falling apart.
