Asphalt is the most popular driveway material in the United States because of its cost and durability. But, nothing that is exposed to the elements lasts forever. Asphalt is an oil-based material that takes a long time to cure and needs regular maintenance. If you want to extend the life of your driveway, then you will have to take good care of it.
Inspect and Repair
Walk up and down the driveway every season to look for thin cracks, potholes, indentations or any other areas of deterioration. Usually, these problems are caused by variations in the weather and soil. Once there is a weakness, moisture and other environmental issues can accelerate that small problem into a big one. This is why the smallest crack should immediately be fixed. A good quality asphalt sealer can repair small areas if you catch them early. Every two to five years a professional asphalt sealing striping Wake County NC needs to be done over the entire driveway. This will add years to your driveway while also saving you money from intensive repairs.
Protect Edges
The sides of an asphalt driveway are the most vulnerable. The edges have the least amount of support, so avoid driving on them. Try to stay in the middle of the driveway as much as you can. Weeds will try to infiltrate the asphalt, causing cracks and crumbling edges. Use a weed killer spray or a physical border to keep stubborn weeds away. Lastly, allow for drainage off the sides of the driveway. If the ground on either side is too high, the water will have nowhere to run.
Prevent Spills
Because asphalt is an oil-based product, getting oil or gasoline on the driveway will cause it to break down. Try to avoid spills at all costs. If you do spill anything on the driveway, clean it up quickly with an absorbent towel or powder. In the winter, don’t use any chemical-based de-icing products. They can damage the surface. Instead, choose a potassium chloride based product or rock salt.
