Asphalt driveways are very durable and long-lasting provided you get the right installation. Ideally, your asphalt driveways should last more than two decades. However, proper maintenance is required to guarantee this type of lifespan. Professional paving installations will be able to handle every type of usage. However, correct hot-mix preparation is required to get the longest-lasting driveways.
Your contractor should have local experience to enable them with the knowledge required for local conditions. Also, the soil underneath preparation and proper laying of the material are key factors as well. Select the right asphalt pavement contractor when looking for longer-lasting driveways. So, here are a few of the best maintenance tips that will help you maintain your driveway most efficiently.
It All Starts with a Proper Installation
How long will your asphalt driveway last has to do much with the way it gets installed. Selecting the right driveway contractor is very important and will play a vital role in longevity. This is where you need to make the right decision. A local experienced contractor will provide a driveway that is optimized for local weather conditions. Also, their ability to assess the soil below and treat it accordingly before starting the installation process will be significant. So, make sure your property gets the best driveway installed.
Regular Cleaning Is Necessary at All Times
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent debris, dirt, and oil stains from buildup on the surface. Also, these stains not only make your driveway look filthy but also contribute to a shorter life. Home and property owners are more inclined to get a new driveway pavement when the old one is fully stained. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove loose debris, and rinse the surface with a garden hose. A mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush can be used for hardy stain removal as well.
Regular Sealcoating Guarantees Surface Integrity
A seal coat adds a protective layer to any asphalt pavement surface. Also, it is a good way to keep your driveway looking good as well. Additionally, a fresh seal coat helps melt snow faster in places where it snows a lot. It will also bind up the surface together not letting chunks of rocks come out easily. So, the best time to get a fresh seal coat is before the winter season. A fresh seal coat every two or so years or depending on the level of deterioration and discoloring is adequate.
Fill Cracks and Potholes Promptly
Cracks and potholes are almost inevitable. Unless your driveway will rarely have vehicles parked on it, cracks and potholes will appear in time. However, leaving them unattended is the biggest mistake. You’d want to fill in cracks and potholes as soon as they show their first signs of existence. Cracks expand to bigger cracks and can lead to potholes opening as well. Also, potholes get bigger as their edges keep losing rock chunks. So, prompt action is always recommended for longer-lasting driveways.
Avoid Heavy Loads in the Same Spots
Avoid parking heavy vehicles or equipment on the driveway for extended periods if possible. Also, switch vehicle parking spots wherever you can as well. Heavy loads can cause the asphalt to crack or sink, leading to costly repairs. Of course, avoiding heavy vehicles parked on your driveway will not always be an available option. However, get it done as much as possible for best results.
Ensure and Maintain Proper Drainage
Drainage is key to longest-lasting asphalt pavements. Any responsible driveway paving contractor will tell you the importance of proper drainage. Rainwater and melting snow water get to the under-layers of the pavement. This is where the adhesive layers come off giving way to lose debris and rock chunks. Also, look into porous asphalt pavements when getting a new installation. This lets water run down into the ground without collecting on the surface at all. Alternatively, keep your drainage unclogged.
Quick Snow and Ice Removal
During the winter months, removing snow from the driveway promptly is very important. Snow collecting on the driveway can put excessive weight on the surface sinking it down. Also, snow water melts and gets into the under-layers over time. So, use a plastic shovel or snow blower to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid using metal shovels or ice melt products containing harsh chemicals.
Avoid Harmful Chemical and Hol Oil Spills
Hot oils from leaky engines are bad news for any asphalt pavement surfaces. Excessively hot oil can stain the surface pretty badly while taking apart the adhesive layers as well. Also, harmful chemicals to melt the snow faster can be bad news as well. These can damage the surface while running down into the ground polluting the water supply as well.
Professional Maintenance When Required
Cracks repair, potholes filling, seal coating, and many other deeper maintenance requirements will need professional support. This is why it is important to get your asphalt driveway maintained property every so often. Hire a professional contractor to repair and maintain your pavement whenever required. Do not delay the maintenance process. The damage will only get worse when left unchecked.
Conclusion
Today, a new asphalt driveway doesn’t cost too much. However, it is way cheaper to maintain your existing one to make it last longer. Unless you are going for a drastic property design layout change, driveways will look pretty much the same. So, it is always better to maintain your existing pavement properly and make it last longer instead of going through the entire process of getting a new one. All these abovementioned tips will help make your asphalt driveway last more than two decades. Also, these are inexpensive tips that will help keep maintenance costs low as well.
