A freshly paved asphalt driveway adds curb appeal to your home and also increases your property value. The driveway is also the first thing guests notice when they pay a visit. That’s why homeowners should maintain the beautiful appearance of their newly paved asphalt for as long as possible.
However, this is easier said than done. Asphalt maintenance requires some commitment, and your job begins as soon as the paving contractors are done with theirs!
In today’s blog post, we list some easy ways to maintain a newly installed asphalt driveway.
1. Drive Responsibly
To start off, remember that while asphalt is quick to install, it takes a while before it hardens and cures completely. A lot depends on the weather conditions and the type of asphalt mix used for the paving project. To be on the safe side, avoid walking or driving on the pavement for at least 24 hours.
Even when it is fully cured, asphalt is still susceptible to tire damage. If you drive roughly while the asphalt is still new, you may get tire marks and indentations on your driveway. To fix these, you will need to get in touch with your contractor again, which means spending more money!
Also, be careful and avoid driving around the edges of the driveway. Pavement edges are susceptible to damage. Any pressure on the edges of a new driveway can cause the asphalt to crumble and break.
2. Clean the Surface Regularly
Secondly, cleaning your driveway is as necessary as cleaning the rest of your home. Asphalt surfaces attract dirt and debris, which is why you cannot put off driveway cleaning for a long time.
You should also watch out for oil stains on the driveway. Oil not only makes the surface slippery, but it can also cause the binder to loosen and break away from the aggregate. This can result in structural damage. So do not ignore oil stains and clean them immediately.
Be especially vigilant with the change of season. For example, the fall brings debris in the form of falling leaves, which can make it hard to spot any damaged areas on your driveway.
Moreover, snowfall in winters is also dangerous for asphalt, especially if melted ice seeps under the foundation. This can lead to cracks, potholes, and other forms of damage.
3. Sealcoat Your Driveway
You cannot maintain asphalt without regular sealcoating. Professionally applied sealers protect your driveway against harsh weather, water damage, and oil spills. Sealcoating also keeps your asphalt surface smooth and shiny. As a rule of thumb, it is best to sealcoat your driveway every 2 to 3 years.
4. Don’t Put Off Repairs
Finally, don’t put off repairs when you see any sign of damage. Cracking is common on asphalt surfaces, and it is easy to fix in the early stages. When you ignore damage on your driveway, it can lead to further deterioration that will require significant repairs that are more costly and time-consuming.
It is essential to keep these points in mind in order to maintain your asphalt driveway after installation. No doubt, a good driveway helps you maintain the look of your property!
The professionals at Action Asphalt are experienced in asphalt paving and maintenance services and have the solution to all your asphalt problems in Nevada City, CA. Avail our premium services to secure your investment and extend the lifespan of your driveway!
