Asphalt is a common choice for paving these driveways because it’s affordable and durable. When installed properly and maintained as required, asphalt pavements can last 20 years. However, the constant exposure to weather elements and use can take a serious toll on its lifespan. Thus, knowing how to maintain your asphalt pavement can help increase its lifespan and reduce the chances of unforeseen maintenance. With that said, here are the 4 pro tips that can help you increase the lifespan of your asphalt.
Maintain proper drainage
When installing an asphalt driveway, proper grading should be used to avoid low spots where water would pool and cause cracks in the pavement. However, even if you’ve done everything right at installation, continuous movement from regular traffic will eventually take its toll on the surface of your driveway, causing it to crack or settle unevenly. These types of problems can be fixed with sealers and patching materials, but they’re only a temporary fix.
Clean your driveway regularly
According to the Orlando experts from CSG Sealcoating, the more you drive on your driveway, the sooner it will wear out. There are several options when considering how to clean your asphalt driveway after oil spills or other types of grime have gotten in between the stones in your pavement. A pressure washer can be used at close range for situations that demand immediate attention. However, you should note that high-pressure sprayers can damage drainage systems and remove loose stone aggregate from the asphalt surface if not held far enough away for gentle washing. Seal your driveway as required
Sealing your asphalt driveway will help maintain its appearance over time, reduce dust during dry periods, prevent stains from seeping into porous stones, and protect against water damage that can lead to cracks or potholes in your pavement. An asphalt driveway is typically sealed within one to two years after installation, but it should be resealed every few years to keep cracks from developing. There are several types of sealer available on the market today, including water-based formulas, which are both environmentally friendly and easy to apply without damaging plants or grass around your home.
When sealcoating your driveway, there are several steps that you should take to ensure the best results. Even if your current sealcoat is starting to wear off or has some noticeable patches of dulling pavement, it’s important to prepare before applying a new layer properly. This will yield an even coat across the entire area and help guard against further damage.
If your driveway shows serious signs of wear, such as alligator cracking, potholes, or oil stains, then you may need to remove the old material before reapplying completely. Sometimes this means doing more than one full-depth cleaning to get rid of embedded contaminants, so they don’t resurface after several weeks or months of drying time.
Learn when it’s time to replace your asphalt driveway
If you see signs of aging on your asphalt driveway, it’s often too late to seal or repair the surface. Most homeowners wait until potholes form in their pavement before considering a replacement. However, repairing cracks and patching low spots are much cheaper, more manageable options that will only delay the inevitable need to replace your whole driveway if left unchecked over time.
Signs you need to replace or repair your driveway
When considering the cost of repairing versus replacing your driveway, you need to weigh the benefits of each option. Sure, there are times when you might want to go with a large company that offers quick service and cheaper prices. However, if you do not hire an experienced contractor for your project, there is a high likelihood that they will tell you it is time for a replacement. So, what signs should you look out for to know if your driveway needs replacement?
- Rotting roots – asphalt driveway surfaces contact many materials that they are not compatible with, including tree roots. The continuous cycle of water and ice for the duration of the winter season can cause large chunks to break up from your driveway. When this happens, it is time to either have Plant Roots Removed or go ahead and complete replacement.
- Cracks – if you notice cracks in your driveway, it is likely that there were once roots that rotted away, causing the asphalt to separate from where it was initially laid down. Another possibility is that the sun has caused this breakage to happen over time. Either way, if you don’t repair the cracks and the problem persists, it is time to go with a replacement.
- Crumbling – if you find that your driveway has developed a crumbling effect, this is likely caused by how the material reacts to water and ice over an extended period of time. While most driveways do not become damaged from normal weathering, asphalt does “outlast” wood.
- Patching – when your driveway is starting to look rough, you can either take care of this problem by doing patchwork or consider a replacement. Keep in mind that if you decide to do the repair work yourself, it will be costly and time-consuming.
- Deep colored cracks – deeply colored cracks will signal a problem with your driveway, and the only way to fix it will be a replacement.
