DRIVEWAY MAINTENANCE TIPS – HOW TO KEEP YOUR ASPHALT LOOKING GREA
Your driveway is an entrance to your home and can have a significant impact on its curb appeal. Even if the rest of your home’s exterior is pristine, a poorly maintained driveway will detract from its appearance. Wouldn’t it be great if your asphalt driveway looked as good as it did when it was new? While it may be tough to keep it looking brand new, there are driveway maintenance tips to help preserve and protect your driveway’s appearance and extend its life span.
Driveway Inspections
Of all the driveway maintenance tips we’re going to share, this should be number one on the list. Inspecting your driveway regularly will allow you to identify any minor damage before it becomes a major concern. Winter can be especially hard on your driveway, making early spring a great time to inspect it. While you can have an asphalt contractor conduct an inspection, you can often identify issues yourself and consult with them on how to resolve them.
Crack and Pothole Repair
It is not uncommon for homeowners to see a couple of small cracks in their asphalt driveway and think they are nothing to worry about. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Driveways can develop cracks over time due to weather or wear and tear. Water will infiltrate cracks in the asphalt and cause damage from underneath, especially if the water freezes and expands. That will make the cracks larger and more difficult to repair. If the cracks are left unattended, they will soon become potholes. These will not only make your driveway look bad but also create the potential for trip and fall injuries.
Keep It Clean
When it comes to driveway maintenance tips, this one is simple. Keep the asphalt clear of debris. Leaves, sticks, and other yard waste can accumulate on your driveway. Constantly driving over them can force them into your asphalt and cause cracking or potholes.
Snow and Ice can also damage your driveway. While it is important to remove them from the driveway, make sure that the shovel or plow blade is kept at an angle that prevents it from gouging the asphalt.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Whether you’re pressure washing your driveway or spreading ice melt, be sure to use asphalt-safe products. Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good. Also, clean up any gas or oil spills immediately as they will stain and even weaken your asphalt.
Don’t Forget the Edges
The edges of the driveway are often overlooked. However, they are the weakest part of your driveway and more susceptible to damage. Avoid driving over the edges and keep an eye out for cracks in that area. The surrounding grass and weeds will force their way into the cracks, making them larger. To prevent this, use spot weed killer and fill the cracks.
Sealcoat Asphalt Regularly
When talking about driveway maintenance tips, sealcoating has to be part of the conversation. Sealcoating prevents water and other elements from seeping into and damaging your asphalt. It also protects against sun damage, which can cause your asphalt to become brittle and crack. When filling cracks and potholes, follow up the cracks and pothole repairs with sealcoating to strengthen and protect them. A well-sealed driveway will also last longer than an unsealed driveway.
One of the Best Driveway Maintenance Tips -Call the Pros
Certified Asphalt provides full-service commercial and residential asphalt services to Ocean County, Monmouth County, and surrounding areas. We specialize in asphalt paving, milling, repair, sealcoating, and pavement maintenance. Family-owned and operated for three generations, we have the skills and experience to deliver quality services at affordable rates. Fully licensed and insured, we guarantee your complete satisfaction! Contact us today for a free estimate!
