How to Properly Maintain Your New Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt is a pretty popular material for driveway construction. After all, it is durable, resilient, easy to install, and inexpensive. It does its job well enough and could last for decades with proper maintenance.
Having your first asphalt driveway installed could be a bit daunting. But we’ve got a few tips to help you get started on proper asphalt maintenance. Do these often, and you’ll help your asphalt driveway last for as long as it can.
Avoid Driving On It Right Away
Asphalt may be stable enough to walk on immediately, but it does need some time to cure. Driving on it immediately after pouring could cause a few warps on the surface.
Asphalt usually takes 6-12 months to cure completely, so it’s best to err on the safe side. Waiting two days before driving on it helps maintain its shape and cure more effectively. If you can, wait five days before parking your vehicles on it. Waiting for some time at the start can save you from any immediate damages.
Seal Your Asphalt
A high-quality asphalt seal helps protect your asphalt driveway from the elements. It can be helpful, especially in places with heavy rains and snow. Applying it right at the beginning would ensure its protection immediately. Unprotected driveways can be more porous and take damage easier.
The recommended time for reapplication can range from two to five years. This will depend on your region’s weather and how much wear your driveway gets.
Conduct Regular Inspections
It can get easy to forget about your driveway as it becomes more and more a part of your daily life. But, it is always important to conduct regular visual inspections of your household.
Inspecting your driveway can alert you to any cracks or damages as they come. You can then address these problems right away, so they don’t escalate as they usually do when left alone. Massive repairs and overhauls can cost quite a bit of money.
Take Care of Your Edges
The edges of your asphalt driveway are some of its weakest parts. Unlike concrete, asphalt usually needs side support to maintain its edges’ shape. You’ll need to avoid your asphalt driveway’s edges, especially when they’re new.
To add support, you can build up the soil surrounding your driveway. The topsoil should be approximately one inch lower than your driveway’s edges. With good landscaping, it can hide any unevenness and provide support.
Eliminate Standing Water
Standing water, when left unaddressed, can lead to long-term damage. Having standing water on your asphalt for long periods could eat away at your driveway. It could then cause cracks or potholes that would be expensive to repair.
Before laying out your asphalt driveway, it’s best to have a drainage plan. This will help prevent the buildup of standing water and any consequential damage.
Prevent Oil Spills
Asphalt is an oil-based material. Thus, it is best to avoid spilling any oil, gasoline, or similar substances on your driveway. Over time, these can eat at your driveway. If any leaks or spills do occur, it’s best to attend to them immediately. You can use any paper or cloth to absorb any liquids on the surface.
Keeping these tips in mind can help you maintain your asphalt driveway in tip-top shape. If you need assistance, you can call a trusted asphalt repair company to deal with the issue. Expert opinion is always helpful.
