With most asphalt maintenance techniques requiring ambient temperatures over 55 degrees Fahrenheit, fall is the ideal window to get your driveway well-protected before the icy onset of damaging winter weather. Luckily, regular asphalt maintenance for the driveway at home or church parking lot needn’t be a complicated task, and we’re going to walk you through how to protect them effectively in 5 easy steps.
1. Clean your driveway or parking lot
It’s important that before you attempt any repairs, you start with a clean slate. Carefully clear out any cracks and stains with a screwdriver or a mechanical alternative like a gas blower. Use a pressure washer to rid your driveway completely of any debris. Don’t rush this step; as with most things, preparation is absolutely key when carrying out your own asphalt maintenance. Once your surface is clean, leave it to dry out thoroughly before getting started on the next steps.
2. Carry out the necessary repairs
Sealing any cracks in your asphalt driveway is arguably the most important part of the process. After all, the whole aim here is to prevent water from entering cracks and causing damage, which can be especially potent in colder winter weather when water can freeze and expand in these cracks.
Depending on the size of the crack, there are a range of effective crack-sealing materials, including cold crack filler (ideal for very small cracks), hot pour rubberized crack filler (great for larger cracks) and cold asphalt patch (best for potholes). Sealing cracks is the most effective way to prevent damage from getting more drastic, or even spreading and undermining the entire driveway.
Maintenance is key to avoiding costly replacements and repairs that could have been prevented.
Although sealcoating does not need to be carried out as often, it is every bit as important in the maintenance of your asphalt driveway. Opinions differ on how often sealcoating should be carried out, but anything between every 2 and 5 years may be appropriate, depending on your driveway’s unique needs and exposure to the elements! It’s important to note, however, that sealcoating too often may be detrimental to your driveway, and could cause the asphalt to crack.
3. Deal with edging
This important but often overlooked step in asphalt maintenance involves keeping grass and weeds away from the edge of your driveway. This can be done as often as is necessary, and is fundamental in ensuring that plant life doesn’t cause damage and deterioration of your asphalt driveway.
4. Maintain your hard work
Once the work is done, all you need to do until next year is keep an eye on things! Be sure to clean up any oil or fuel spills throughout the year to ensure they don’t lead to damage, and if anything catastrophic happens, be sure to get in touch with an expert asphalt contractor to help reduce the effects.
FREE EMAIL COURSE FOR HOMEOWNERS
- How to prepare your driveway
- Step-by-step instructions for repairs
- How to protect your asphalt for years to come!
