Maintaining an asphalt driveway requires diligent attention to ensure its longevity and functionality, especially in regions with distinct seasons and cold, icy winters. Here are 10 essential tips for maintaining your asphalt driveway
1. Snow Removal:
Hand Shoveling or Snowblowing: Clearing snow manually or with a snowblower can extend the time between repaving or resealing a driveway up to five years.
Snow Plowing: When relying on plowing, plan to repair or seal coat the driveway every couple of years to prevent damage from the plow.
2. Protect the Edges:
The edges of an asphalt driveway are its weakest points. Avoid driving off the edges to prevent breaking them.
3. Weight Distribution:
When leaving heavy items on a driveway for extended periods, use boards to distribute the weight. For example, place 2x12s under a parked trailer or 2x4s under a jack to prevent impressions, especially on newly laid asphalt.
4. Clean Regularly:
Keeping the driveway clean is crucial. Sweep debris off with a stiff-bristled brush to prevent dirt from seeping into the asphalt and causing cracks. After sweeping, use a power washer to remove dirt and oil stains. This deep cleaning helps maintain the asphalt’s appearance and integrity. Annual power washing of the driveway should typically suffice, though additional power washing services can be scheduled as necessary.
5. Fix cracks and potholes
To maintain asphalt, promptly repair cracks and potholes as they appear. Use an asphalt repair patch for cracks and a pothole repair kit for potholes to prevent larger issues later on. Check out this informative blog on fixing potholes: https://blog.asphaltkingdom.com/how-to-fill-a-pothole-in-4-steps
6. Seal Coating:
Seal coat the driveway in the first year of laying asphalt and every 3-5 years after, depending on use and weather conditions. This helps protect against UV damage and water penetration.
7. Avoid Stopped Turns:
In the first 30-45 days after laying fresh asphalt, ensure cars driving on the asphalt are making rolling turns rather than stopped turns to avoid peeling rocks from the surface.
8. Sealing:
Apply an asphalt-friendly sealer after power washing to protect against UV damage and water infiltration. This can be done every two to four years. Sealing too often can cause the seal coat to crack and peel while seal coating too little can cause the driveway to deteriorate, so be mindful of this and only use sealant when necessary,
9. Weed Removal:
Remove weeds by hand or use vinegar to prevent them from causing further damage to the asphalt. https://www.uniquepavingmaterials.com/how-to-kill-weeds-growing-in-driveways-sidewalks-and-patios/
10. Winterizing:
Ensure the asphalt is well-sealed before winter. Avoid using rock salt, which accelerates deterioration during freeze-thaw cycles. Use sand as an alternative, though it requires cleanup in the spring.
5 Things to Avoid
- Oil-Based Sealers: Avoid using oil-based sealers on the asphalt.
- Sprinklers on Asphalt: These can soften the pavement, leading to potholes.
- Heavy Loads: Limit the presence of dumpsters and large trucks on the driveway.
- Rock Salt: Try not to use rock salt in winter; opt for sand instead.
- Driving on Edges: Avoid driving on or off the edges of the asphalt.
For larger repairs or maintenance tasks, hiring a professional ensures the job is completed correctly. Proper maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of the driveway but also enhances the overall appearance and value of the property. Even with tips for maintaining asphalt it can be a daunting task, but Lake Point Property Management has you covered for all of your property management needs, reach out to us for a quote today!