Tips For Maintaining Your Asphalt Driveway
If you own a home that has a very large driveway, you may have considered having it paved with asphalt. Asphalt can give the home a unique look that makes it stand out and have curb appeal. However, once the asphalt is installed, there will be some maintenance to keep it looking good over the years. Here are some tips for taking care of an asphalt driveway.
Provide Protection From The Sun
Any ways you can find to protect the asphalt from constant sun exposure is going to help prolong its lifespan. The easiest way to do this is by applying a sealcoat to the surface. It gives the asphalt a protective layer that it otherwise would not have, and gives it protection from water and other elements as well. You can also get creative with how you protect the asphalt from the sun. For instance, you may want to strategically plant some trees that give the asphalt shade.
Be Prepared To Seal Cracks
The asphalt will start to crack at some point, which is why it is a good idea to have a crack sealant on hand to repair it. This will cause you to react to cracks immediately after seeing them, rather than having to run out to the store to get the material, which may not happen for weeks. By sealing small cracks early, you'll prevent water from getting into them and making the cracks bigger. This will reduce the need for asphalt repair down the road.
Use Sand For Deicing
When the winter months arrive, you may be tempted to use salt on the asphalt surface to melt the ice. However, salt is not good for an asphalt surface. You'll be better off using sand to give your car traction on the asphalt, rather than try to melt the ice with salt. If you are worried about the salt making a mess, don't worry about it, since you can easily clean the surface in the spring with a power washer.
Repair Dips As Soon As Possible
You may notice that areas of your asphalt start to dip over time. This can happen in a place where you consistently park your car, or naturally happen due to the ground underneath the asphalt settling. You'll want to repair these areas to remove the dips, since they are places where water can easily collect and cause damage to the surface. Reach out to a local paving contractor for assistance with this, or visit websites like http://www.harrispavingindustries.com for more information.
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