An asphalt driveway is no cheap project. On average, asphalt driveway installation costs around $4,181. Considering its high price tag, it’s just logical that you want to maximize its serviceable years.
The good news is that asphalt is a pretty durable paving material that can last up to 20 years. There are a number of things that can affect its longevity, such as quality of installation, type of asphalt material, traffic, and climate. However, one thing that can significantly affect its durability is whether it is properly maintained and cared for. Without proper maintenance procedures, an asphalt driveway can wear much faster than expected.
If you want to maintain your asphalt driveway and extend its life, make sure you follow these tips.
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Sweep up regularly:
Sweep up and remove debris and mess regularly. Remove leaves, trash, dirt, loose aggregate, and glass on your asphalt driveway. Aside from keeping the pavement looking clean, it can also help extend its life. Usually, dirt and debris block the natural runoff and drainage of water which can result in standing water.
In addition to this, asphalt repair workers at ABC Paving & Sealcoating recommend manually sweeping, so you can immediately spot any signs of potholes, cracks or other surface troubles. Repairing minor problems proves cheaper than major overhauls and replacing the asphalt sooner than expected.
Ensure proper drainage:
Water is the worst offender of asphalt road. Never allow standing water on the asphalt surface as it can seep through the pavement and cause softening. It is also the most common reason for asphalt problems. Make sure to survey your pavement for any pooling of water, especially after heavy rains or snow. In case of any standing water, correct the problem immediately by installing a drain.
It’s also important to keep drains and sewers free of debris to facilitate continuous drainage.
Control load:
Limit the type of vehicles that pass through your asphalt driveway. If possible, avoid larger vehicles such as delivery trucks or garbage trucks from accessing the pavement. By limiting the load capacity on your driveway, you can make it last longer.
Remove oil stains:
Aside from water, engine oil can also lead to asphalt damage. Just like other corrosive chemicals, oil drips can harm the asphalt material. Oil causes a chemical reaction with the asphalt, which weakens it and makes it prone to wear and tear. So, it’s recommended to remove the oil stain as soon as they are apparent.
Fill cracks:
Water can seep through even the smallest cracks. Over time, these tiny cracks can grow in size resulting in major damage. To avoid asphalt deterioration, it would help to fill even minor cracks.
Apply sealcoat:
Sealcoating your asphalt pavement gives it an added layer of protection from elements. This should occasionally be done depending on the weather elements, level of use and degree of upkeep. By applying this layer of protection, you can retain the asphalt material and seal off unnoticeable holes and cracks.
These are some of the important maintenance measures you can implement to preserve the quality of your asphalt driveway. While they may seem redundant and tiresome, they are vital to keep your asphalt driveway in pristine condition and avoid pricey repairs or premature reinstallation.
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