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When you get a new asphalt parking lot or driveway installed, you will expect it to last for many years. A well-installed asphalt driveway has an average lifespan of 15 – 20 years—only if you take good care of it. However, certain factors, like freeze and thaw cycles, type of soil, as well as the climatic condition of your area will determine the lifespan of your asphalt.
But, with regular maintenance, you can ensure your asphalt is protected, and you can enjoy using your driveway for as long as possible. The following are the top 10 tips to extend the lifespan of your asphalt.
Regulate how large vehicles, such as delivery trucks and garbage trucks access your property. Such vehicles are very heavy, which makes it easier for them to destroy your asphalt. This, limiting their access to your asphalt pavement or parking lot will reduce the load your pavement or parking lot has to support. A good way to limit this is to move your garbage bins close to the road, as this will allow garbage trucks to access them without getting into your pavement.
Another way of keeping your asphalt in a good condition is by cleaning it regularly. And when we say cleaning, it means sweeping—you don’t need to wash the surface. Sweeping your asphalt driveway helps to remove the grit and sand that tends to accumulate on your surface. The sand acts as an abrasive, which can remove the top layer of your pavement. This, in turn, can allow water to get into the base layer, and this can destroy your pavement. Thus, you should sweep your asphalt 2 – 6 times every year.
Water is one of the greatest enemies of asphalt. Failing to create a proper drainage system can allow water to get into the base layer of your pavement. This, in turn, can damage the base layer, which can lead to the formation of potholes. If you see stagnant water on your asphalt, contact an experienced contractor to fix the issue immediately.
Most people ignore small cracks when they form on their asphalt. However, these cracks allow water and other destructive elements to breach the asphalt base. If chemical spills or water penetrate your asphalt, it oxidizes, thus leading to the formation of potholes and other serious damages, which are costly to repair. Therefore, you should fill small cracks immediately they form to prevent further damages to your asphalt.
The Florida asphalt paving contractor ABC Paving says that asphalt seal coating protects your pavement or parking lot from water, UV rays, chemical spills, and air, which pose a big threat to your asphalt. Further, the seal coating gives your asphalt a brand new appearance and makes it easier to clean and maintain your asphalt paved surface. So, if you want your asphalt to last longer, and reduce any maintenance issues, have your asphalt paved surface seal coated every 2 – 3 years by a professional.
In the beginning, weed looks harmless to asphalt. However, it can easily get out of control if you don’t take the necessary steps to control it. Please note that weed doesn’t cause any issues with your asphalt. The roots pose a serious threat to your parking lot or pavement since they spread beneath the surface, and eventually lead to the formation of cracks. As indicated earlier, cracks allow water to seep into the base layer, which leads to costly damage.
Asphalt paved surfaces are more susceptible to damage during the summer. The extreme heat can lead to asphalt damage if it’s always under pressure. However, parking your car in different spots during the summer season can prevent damages to your asphalt. Also, you should avoid leaving other heavy items lying in the same spot for long during the summer season. This can you’re your asphalt to start cracking or cause a dip on the surface.
Never dump landscape materials on your pavement, as these materials can cause stains or indentations to your surface. In case you don’t have any other options, place a tarp on your pavement before dumping the materials. Also, you should be careful when using sharp tools, like metal shovels to remove the material or clear ice from your driveway, as metal tools risk damaging your asphalt surface.
Oil and gasoline present a serious threat to your asphalt. Gas and oil drips can affect your asphalt driveway or parking lot, just water and other elements. Oil and gasoline can break down your asphalt, making it weak, and this makes it more susceptible to damage. There are several ways to clean oil and gas stains from asphalt, and you should do that as soon as you notice the stains.
At times, asphalt seal coating or repair won’t be the best option for your asphalt surface. In case the top layer of your pavement or parking lot has sustained substantial damage, consider hiring an asphalt contract to install an asphalt overlay. However, you might need asphalt replacement if your surface is damaged beyond repair. Doing this allows you to deal with the cause of the problem, thus adding more years to your pavement or parking lot.
