Asphalt driveways are a great option for your home because they're low-cost and can last upwards of 30 years. This is assuming you hire a quality paving contractor who does the job well and can teach you the ins and outs of maintaining your driveway.
Unfortunately, upgrading your driveway to an asphalt one doesn't mean you can just ignore it for the rest of your time on the property. There is some level of asphalt driveway maintenance required if you want it to last a long time. It's especially important immediately after the paving job is done.
Here's what you should know about how to maintain your driveway.
Why Maintaining Your Driveway Matters
Different types of driveways require varying levels of maintenance.
Ones made out of concrete are more expensive and require very little maintenance. Gravel is inexpensive but can get messy when it snows.
Asphalt, while durable and low maintenance, can crack in extremely cold temperatures. If you don't care for it, those cracks can widen and compromise the integrity of your driveway.
Not only will this cause bumps and openings in your driveway, but it could create hazards for your vehicle. If sticks and stones get trapped in these cracks, then they may puncture your tires or injure someone walking across them.
Asphalt Driveway Maintenance Tips
The first tip for maintaining a residential driveway is to keep it clean. There are plenty of ways to pull out fresh oil stains, such as using baking soda or even cola. You'll also want to remove any leaves or dirt to prevent moisture from accumulating.
Every two to five years, you'll want to apply a seal coat to protect your driveway from water, oils, and UV damage. If any cracks have developed, you can fill them with rubberized asphalt crack filler.
Maintain the edges of your driveway by trimming back your grass so it doesn't grow over the asphalt. You should also remove any ice or snow to prevent water seepage.
What to Avoid
Asphalt driveways are vulnerable to excess moisture, despite their porous nature. The problem comes when that moisture is combined with either extreme heat or cold.
One way to avoid this issue is by keeping your landscaping away from your driveway. Sprinkler systems can soften the base and erode the surface of your asphalt. Tree roots can grow through cracks and cause damage to the driveway.
You may also want to avoid putting heavy loads on top of asphalt. Too much weight can cause it to crack or sag.
Get Your New Pavement Today
Asphalt driveway maintenance is simple enough as long as you pay attention to the weather and keep certain landscaping options away from it. At the very least you'll want to recoat your driveway with a sealant every few years to protect it from damage.
Pave-Core Paving Inc is your go-to paving company in the Kingston, Belleville, and Trenton areas. Our services cover road work, parking lots, driveways, and more. New customers can get a free estimate on their next job before committing to a new driveway.