According to Paving Finder, if you take good care of your freshly laid pavement, you will ensure that the beautiful appearance and efficiency are maintained for 15 to 30 years. If you have an asphalt driveway, it’s in your best interests to ensure it’s in tip-top shape to get many years of service from it. Proper asphalt maintenance also reduces the cost of asphalt repairs since it addresses issues before they get worse. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your asphalt in the best condition.
Why Does Your Asphalt Driveway Need to Be Maintained?
Asphalt driveways require maintenance because this keeps them in better condition for longer. Without proper maintenance, your asphalt driveway would break down a lot sooner. Remember that your driveway is exposed to various external conditions that all result in a lot of wear and tear. This is especially so if your asphalt driveway is constantly subjected to a lot of traffic. In addition, the climate of the area you live in can also impact the condition of your driveway.
If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather changes and harsh elements, then it’s best to invest more effort into maintaining your driveway. The benefits of doing this can include increased curb appeal and resale value. A well-maintained asphalt driveway will improve the overall appearance of your home and landscape.
Common Asphalt Repairs
Asphalt generally refers to a mixture of stone and sand held together by petroleum to create a smooth, flat, and black surface. However, issues can occur that affect the quality appearance of your asphalt surfaces. For instance, the surface can start fading and looking worn out. One of the most common asphalt repairs is alligator cracking, which happens when the surface is placed under a lot of pressure. The freezing and thawing cycle can also contribute to cracking and the formation of depressions and holes.
You may also need asphalt repairs due to other issues, such as edge cracking, grass growing, oil spots, and block cracking. It’s important to schedule asphalt repairs as soon as you notice any of these issues. Otherwise, neglecting your driveway might mean shelling out more money for a new driveway installation sooner rather than later.
Asphalt Preventive Maintenance
To prevent costly asphalt repairs, it’s recommended to start caring for your asphalt driveway soon after installation. When your asphalt driveway is newly installed, it goes through a curing process, and it has to be handled with care while it strengthens. For instance, it’s best to avoid parking on your driveway during the hottest parts of the day. Even after your asphalt cures, you have to continue to care for your driveway by conducting periodic inspections to check if there are minor asphalt repairs.
As mentioned, addressing asphalt repairs sooner will help you save money, so it pays to prioritize periodic visual inspections to know what’s going on with your driveway. If you notice any cracks, these need to be filled as soon as possible to maintain the structural integrity of your driveway. It’s also good to remember to use a high-quality sealer. After filling up the cracks in your asphalt driveway, an asphalt sealer is typically applied to ensure the effectiveness of the repairs.
Finding the Best Asphalt Repair Company
If your driveway needs asphalt repairs, the repairs you make are only as good as the professionals you hire. It’s, therefore, essential to invest your efforts into finding the best asphalt repair company. The ideal company should know all about asphalt repairs, and they should also be able to provide you with the best maintenance tips for your driveway. They should also have many years of experience helping people like you keep their driveways in excellent condition. Don’t forget to ask about the services they offer as this helps you know if the company can address your needs.
Typically, asphalt repair companies provide services like driveway repair and installation. Besides checking the company’s competence and level of experience, it’s also standard practice to check if the business is licensed and insured. Once you have narrowed down your options, the next step is scheduling an inspection. This enables the professionals to assess the condition of your driveway and provide you with an accurate estimate.
You can do a lot to keep your asphalt driveway looking good. The good thing is asphalt is not only cost-effective, but this high-quality surface will rarely demand much from your pocket if you apply these tips for asphalt driveway maintenance. Please get in touch with us for all your queries regarding asphalt repairs.