Investing in a new asphalt driveway is an investment. Knowing the right asphalt maintenance dos and don’ts is key to extending the life of your driveway. Pay attention to these dos and Don’ts, so you don’t have to spend more money replacing it sooner rather than later.
Do Drive With Care
There are a few things you can do when driving on your asphalt pavement to keep it looking new:
Allow it to fully cure before driving on it (up to a week in hot weather)
Make sure the car is moving before turning the wheel in the first few months of paving to avoid depressions and separating
Avoid driving along the edge of the asphalt pavement to prevent chipping and breakage
Avoid parking in the same spot, which can create depressions in the asphalt over time
Don’t Allow Heavy Equipment
Garbage and dump trucks tend to have heavy loads. Allowing heavy loading will create stress on the asphalt, which will result in cracks and potholes, making the pavement deteriorate faster than it should. Parking heavy vehicles and equipment will also create damage or make existing damage worse.
Do Keep Up on Maintenance
Whether you do your own asphalt maintenance or have the professionals at 410 ASPHALT handle it, regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting driveway. Filling and repairing cracks and potholes yearly is best, though you should address these issues ideally as soon as they appear.
Sealcoating the driveway every few years will protect the asphalt from harmful UV rays, vehicle fluids, and water penetration. If your driveway is turning gray, that means it’s oxidizing and needs to be sealcoated to extend its life.
Don’t Use Sprinklers
If you have a sprinkler system set up to water your grass or flowers, avoid letting the sprinklers directly hit the asphalt. Water will degrade the asphalt, penetrating it to allow depressions and potholes.
Do Sweep and Clean Regularly
Keeping the asphalt swept and clean will make obvious imperfections easy to see. This can help you identify and repair cracks and potholes as soon as they appear. Removing loose gravel, water, mud, and leaves will also prevent damage from occurring too quickly in your new asphalt driveway.
Don’t Go With the Cheapest Price
While it can be tempting to shop for the lowest price for asphalt repairs and replacement, it’s rarely the best option. Choose a licensed and insured contractor and who uses high-quality products to ensure the longest lifespan an asphalt driveway has to offer. Compare contractor bids closely to ensure you’re getting the best for the price offered.
Do Hire the Professionals at 410-ASPHALT
At 410-ASPHALT in Crofton, Maryland, we handle the minor jobs the high companies won’t touch. We also take care of the big jobs. We can repair and maintain your asphalt and concrete driveways, so you don’t have to. Whether your needs are residential or commercial, the professionals at 410-ASPHALT are happy to help and show you the level of care and quality work we provide.
Contact 410-ASPHALT (410-277-4258) today for a free estimate on your asphalt or concrete pavement needs. We’ll help you get the most life out of your pavement!
