Asphalt maintenance is extremely important to the overall lifespan and appearance of a parking lot or driveway. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your pavement looking its best. Maintenance will also extend the life of your asphalt, which means less money spent on costly repairs down the line.
If you aren’t sure where to begin or whether or not your lot needs maintenance, then read on! In this guide we’ll cover what you need to know about the best practices in asphalt maintenance and how it can help improve the look and lifespan of your parking lot.
What Causes Asphalt Driveways To Deteriorate?
Asphalt is vulnerable to damage from a number of sources, including weather and traffic. For this reason, it’s important to do regular asphalt maintenance so you can prevent any problems down the road. If your asphalt does need repairs though, there are some factors that have contributed to this occurring.
Frequent Freeze-Thaw Cycles – This is especially common in areas where water is able to seep through cracks and joints.
Poor Drainage – Even if your asphalt has good drainage, it can still be susceptible to damage from flooding or other extreme weather conditions.
Traffic – Heavy traffic can lead to the surface of your pavement wearing down over time.
Drainage – If the area around your asphalt pavement isn’t properly drained, it can contribute to flooding and erosion as well as other problems.
Age of Pavement – The older your asphalt is, the more likely it is to be damaged by frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
Poor Quality During Construction – This can lead to the asphalt deteriorating at a much faster rate than it would otherwise.
If you’re wondering how to repair asphalt, rest assured that there are plenty of options for this type of maintenance in your local area.
The Key Things To Remember When Conducting Asphalt Maintenance
Here are the best practices in asphalt maintenance that you need to remember:
Keep it clean – Sweep away any debris or leaves regularly, and use a power washer to clean off any dirt or oil stains.
Patch any cracks or holes – This will help prevent water from seeping underneath the pavement and causing damage.
Sealcoat periodically – A sealcoat will protect the asphalt from wear and tear, and will help it last longer.
Maintain drainage – Ensure there are no puddles or pools of water, because long exposure to moisture can cause damage to your asphalt. This includes puddles that develop after a rainstorm.
Avoid parking on wet pavement – This will help prevent stains and damage caused by oils from tires getting trapped in the asphalt.
Keep it level – Make sure the pavement is relatively flat, with no high or low spots that would cause puddles or damage to your lot.
Fix any sinkholes – If you see a large hole in your asphalt that looks like it’s sinking, then you’ll need to fill it in right away. Sinkholes can cause a lot of damage to your asphalt, so it’s important to take care of these as soon as possible.
Using the right sealant – You’ll need a high-quality sealant for your parking lot or driveway. The best asphalt sealant will prevent water from getting under the pavement and causing damage, while also protecting against harmful chemicals. This is crucial for keeping your asphalt in good condition and extending its lifespan.
What Type Of Weather Should You Do Asphalt Maintenance?
Weather is an important consideration when it comes to asphalt maintenance. In general, you’ll want to do maintenance work when the weather is dry so that the sealant or coating will adhere properly. Avoid working with asphalt in wet weather, as this can cause the sealant or coating to bead up and not adhere properly.
In addition, temperature is a crucial factor when it comes to asphalt maintenance. You’ll want to wait several days after a fresh coat of sealant or coating has been applied before going through with the rest of your regular maintenance needs. This is because a “flash cure” can occur which causes the newly applied asphalt to harden too quickly. If you make repairs before the asphalt is fully cured, you won’t get a strong bond and it can compromise the integrity of your pavement.
Which Is The Best Company To Handle Asphalt Maintenance?
When it comes to asphalt maintenance, there are a lot of companies that offer services. However, not all of them are created equal. So, who is the best company to do asphalt maintenance?
There are a few factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a company for asphalt maintenance. First, you’ll want to make sure the company has experience in the field. They should have a lot of knowledge about asphalt and be able to recommend the best course of action for your specific situation.
You’ll also want to find a reliable paving company like JR Paving & Construction Co., Inc. They should be able to show up on time and do the job right the first time. And finally, you’ll want to find a company that offers good value for the price they charge. You shouldn’t have to break the bank when you hire a company for asphalt maintenance.