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How to Protect Asphalt Paving from Water Damage

Water is asphalt’s greatest enemy. Both residential and commercial property owners should save their asphalt pavements from water damage to enhance their property’s life span and make it safer for everyone.

Staying ahead of maintenance and repairs also helps you save money over time.

At Action Asphalt, we perform a complete range of asphalt services in SacramentoClick here to get a quote on asphalt repairs.

And we know how bad water damage can be for your asphalt paving, which is why we offer some practical tips on keeping your asphalt dry and protected.

Why is Water Bad for Asphalt?

Water not only degrades your pavement but also ruins its appearance and causes costly damage in the long run. Water seeps through the cracks in the surface and weakens the ground beneath. Moreover, moisture can penetrate the surface and loosen the binders. This is why you have to avoid water pooling on your driveway or parking lot.

Most property owners only go for asphalt maintenance and repairs when they notice potholes, cracks, sunken ground, or uneven surfaces. However, water damage is often invisible and can lead to structural issues if left unchecked. The best way to keep your asphalt from water damage is ongoing maintenance and preventative measures.

How to Prevent Water Damage

Several techniques can protect your driveway, especially when it’s snowing or raining.

  • Sealcoating

One of the best ways to prevent water damage is sealcoating. Sealcoating involves applying protective sealants to the surface to keep the cracks protected from moisture and other external elements.

This is a cost-effective and durable procedure and extends the lifespan of your paving. Sealcoating should be done every 2-4 years, depending on the condition of your driveway.

  • Crack Filling

While sealcoating is a cost-effective and durable procedure, it isn’t easy to perform in extreme temperatures.

So if the weather is rough and you just have to fix minor cracks that are causing water to seep into the base, you can also go for crack filling. This involves applying filler material to prevent cracks from expanding and causing further damage to the surface.

  • Pothole repair

Water damage can also lead to potholes, which in turn leads to more water damage. Potholes are not just dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, but they also allow water to flow inside easily. That is why professional pothole repair is necessary to prevent water damage from escalating.

Regular Maintenance is Key

Ultimately, property owners should be prompt to maintain and inspect their driveways to repair problems before they get costly. Cleaning dirt and debris and patching minor cracks regularly, go a long way in preserving the integrity of your asphalt paving.

Check Your Drainage

Finally, regular maintenance will only be helpful against water damage if your driveway has proper drainage. For instance, the paving should be sloped so that water is directed to the gutters instead of pooling on the surface. If there is a problem with your drainage, you need to fix it before it destroys the asphalt.

These are some of the best ways to protect your asphalt driveway or parking lot from water damage. Property owners in Sacramento and all over Greater Sacramento can always count on Action Asphalt to take care of their asphalt paving. Click here to get in touch.