The driveway should be viewed as more than just an entrance spot for your car. It plays a critical role in the appearance of your home exterior. Asphalt is one of the best materials for use on driveways. It is economical, easy to install, durable, low maintenance, and eco-friendly, making it an investment worth protecting. If you have an asphalt driveway, you probably want to know how you can maintain it and have it last longer. Here are some maintenance tips for your asphalt driveway to keep it looking new and appealing.
Deal with trouble spots
Exposure to rainwater, snow, sun rays and impact can cause cracks on asphalt driveways over time. However, if you detect and deal with these small issues promptly, you can protect and prolong the use of your driveway. Carry out regular inspections of every inch of your driveway and watch out for any cracks. Repair the cracks and potholes before rainwater seeps in and causes further damage. Also, oil and chemical spills can damage your driveway or make it unappealing. Any chemical spills should be scrubbed off quickly.
Sealcoat your driveway
Sealcoating is a form of preventative maintenance for your driveway. It is more like the way you paint wood structures to prevent deterioration from weather elements. Sealcoating has the following benefits:
- It seals and hides any small cracks in the asphalt, preventing seepage of water and snow into the base material. Rainwater can compromise the compactness of asphalt and cause larger cracks. Sealcoating waterproofs your driveway.
- It protects asphalt from UV sun rays and the damaging effects of chemical and oil spills that are common on driveways.
- It has a smooth and non-porous surface which keeps driveways clean as rainwater, dirt, and debris are easily washed away.
- It improves the appearance of new and old asphalt. The attractive black surface coating gives asphalt a new look.
Sealcoating of asphalt should be carried out every few years after installation to maintain the new look of the driveway for a long time. While sealcoating can be a DIY project, it is important to have a professional do it for the best results.
Prevent puddles on the asphalt
Low spots on your driveway can pool with water during the rainy season. Pooling water can cause cracking of asphalt, even when it's sealcoated. Inspect your driveway after the rains and identify any areas that pool with water. You can fix this problem by spreading asphalt patching compound over the area.
An asphalt driveway is a worthwhile investment that is worth protecting. Follow these tips to protect and keep your driveway looking new even after years of use.
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