Key Takeaways:
- If you let the dirt and grime build up on the pavement’s surface, it will start eroding the asphalt. To avoid this, regularly sweep or hose down your asphalt pavement.
- Sealcoating is a process that helps protect the asphalt from weathering, UV rays, and other elements that can damage it.
- Snow and ice can damage asphalt pavement, so it is essential to get rid of them at the earliest during winter.
- Cracks allow water to seep into the asphalt, freeze and expand, causing the cracks to grow.
- A professional asphalt maintenance contractor will be able to advise you on the measures to take to prolong your asphalt pavement’s life.
Your asphalt pavement is a crucial part of your property. It can make a big difference in how your property looks and functions. Unfortunately, people may not realize the necessity of taking care of their asphalt pavement until it’s too late.
If you think your asphalt paving has been damaged, you’ll require professional asphalt maintenance. In this case, contacting an asphalt contractor to get quality repairs is the best option.
However, to help you prevent damaging your asphalt pavement, here are some dos and don’ts to consider for ensuring the longevity of your pavement.
The Dos After an Asphalt Paving Project.
Regularly Clean the Asphalt Pavement.
Like any other material on your property, asphalt pavement is susceptible to dirt and grime. If you let the dirt and grime build up on the pavement’s surface, it will start eroding the asphalt. It can lead to cracks and other damage. To avoid this, regularly sweep or hose down your asphalt paving.
Sealcoat The Asphalt Pavement
Sealcoating is a process that helps protect the asphalt from weathering, UV rays, and other elements that can damage it. Seal coating your asphalt pavement soon after it’s been installed and every three years.
Repair Cracks and Potholes Promptly.
Cracks and potholes are inevitable, but it’s essential to repair them as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, cracks will only get bigger, and potholes will get deeper. Not only will this make your asphalt paving look bad, but it can also lead to further damage.
Remove Snow and Ice in The Winter.
Snow and ice can damage asphalt pavement, so it is essential to get rid of them at the earliest during winter. You can use a snow blower or shovel to remove the snow and then salt or sand to melt the ice.
Here are some tips for maintaining asphalt pavement during winter.
Be Careful When Using Chemicals.
Chemicals, such as gasoline, oil, and antifreeze, can damage asphalt pavement. If you spill any of these chemicals on your asphalt, clean it up immediately.
Maintain The Safe Driving Standards
It’s essential to follow safe driving standards to maintain the longevity of your asphalt pavement. It means obeying the speed limit and not making sudden stops or turns. Additionally, you must avoid driving on asphalt when wet, as this can damage the pavement.
The Don’ts After an Asphalt Paving Project
Don’t Ignore Small Cracks.
Initially, small cracks may not seem like a major issue, but they can lead to more significant problems. Cracks allow water to seep into the asphalt, freeze and expand, causing the cracks to grow. Not to mention, water seeping into the cracks can also lead to potholes.
Don’t Park in The Same Spot All the Time.
Moving your car around from time to time is essential if you have a driveway or parking lot. It will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent a single spot from becoming too worn down.
Don’t Let Weeds Grow.
Weeds can cause a lot of damage to asphalt. The roots can grow through cracks and cause the cracks to widen. Additionally, when you try to pull the weeds out, you risk pulling up pieces of asphalt with them.
Don’t Forget About the Gutters.
Your gutters play an essential role in protecting your asphalt from water damage. If your gutters are clogged, the water can stay on your asphalt, causing damage. Make sure to clean the gutters regularly to prevent this from happening.
Why Hiring a Professional Asphalt Maintenance Contractor Is Essential?
Asphalt pavements must be regularly seal-coated and crack-filled to prolong their lifespan. However, these are tasks that are best left to the professionals. Seal coating and crack filling require special equipment and knowledge to be done correctly.
Moreover, if these tasks aren’t professionally handled, they will do more harm than good. It’s already expensive to replace asphalt pavement. Thus, you want to ensure that your asphalt pavement is maintained the first time appropriately.
A professional asphalt maintenance contractor will also be able to advise you on any other measures to take to prolong your asphalt pavement’s life. Hiring a professional asphalt maintenance contractor is essential if you want to save yourself time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Things To Consider Before Getting Your Asphalt Paving Maintained
- The age of your asphalt pavement will affect how often it needs to be serviced. Newer pavements may only need to be sealed every three years, while older ones may need it every other year.
- The traffic volume that your asphalt pavement sees daily will also help determine the frequency of maintenance. Heavier traffic will require more frequent sealing.
- The climate in your area is another crucial factor. If your area receives extreme winter conditions, your asphalt pavement will likely need to be serviced more often than if you lived in a milder climate.
- The last thing to consider is the condition of your asphalt pavement. If there are cracks or potholes, they will be repaired before they can be sealed.
Once you’ve considered all the factors, you can start developing a plan for asphalt pavement maintenance. As a general rule of thumb, most asphalt pavements need to be sealed every three years. However, this varies based on the particular conditions of your pavement.
Reasons To Get Your Asphalt Pavement Maintained by Professionals.
Increased Life Span
Regularly maintaining your asphalt pavement can significantly increase its life span. In fact, regular maintenance is often the difference between an asphalt pavement that needs to be replaced after 10-15 years and one that lasts for 20-30 years.
Improved Appearance
Regularly maintaining your asphalt pavement will also help to improve its appearance. Over time, the sun and weather can cause even the best asphalt pavement to fade and become discolored. However, by regularly sealing your pavement, you can help to protect it from the elements and keep it looking like new.
It Saves Money in The Long Run.
While it may seem like a lot of money upfront to have your asphalt pavement regularly maintained, it will save you money in the long run. Moreover, you can prevent more significant damage from occurring.
All in all, asphalt pavement is a significant investment which is why you want to make sure it stays maintained. Professional asphalt contractors understand these complexities and will provide the best services based on your unique needs.
Garden State Paving & Seal Coating LLC has served in Mt. Laurel, NJ, since 1998. Our vast experience ensures you receive the best repair, maintenance, and replacement services for your various asphalt paving needs.
