With most asphalt maintenance techniques requiring ambient temperatures over 55 degrees Fahrenheit, Fall is the ideal window to get your asphalt maintenance done before the icy onset of damaging winter weather. So how exactly can you do that? Well throughout this article you will learn all the tips and tricks needed to keep your asphalt looking great. Read on to learn all about asphalt maintenance, from cleaning to protection.

Clean Your Driveway

Cleaning your driveway can remove dirt, debris, chemicals, and petroleum that can otherwise move into the cracks and cause more damage. Oil spots can be cleaned using a commercial de-greaser, a broom and water. Preparation is key, as it is when starting most things, so don’t rush this process. Make sure to clean out all the little nooks and crannies in your driveway. Once your driveway is entirely clean, let it dry out completely before moving on. When you do complete this step, a good thing to check is if you have any pooling water. Not only will the identification of this protect from future cracking in your driveway, but it can help with soil erosion in your yard.

Repairs

Fall has the perfect weather for repairing cracks.  In the summer months when the weather is hot, cracks become smaller and can come back together. These cracks can turn into potholes if left untreated. This is a key step in preventing further damage by colder weather.

There are plenty of materials that range in effectiveness. For small cracks, cold crack fillers work well. For those difficult, large cracks, hot pour rubberized crack filler work very well. Sealing cracks is one of the most effective way to prevent further damage and the spread of cracks and the undermining of your entire driveway.

Potholes are cracks that have been chipped, and chipped until the edges have spread and it’s a hole in the ground. Potholes can vary in size. They can range from just a few inches to several feet in diameter. These potholes are the result of cracks that haven’t been taken care of.

Sink holes, or bird baths, can also occur. Sink holes are caused from settling in the ground, a poorly constructed foundation, or when the base has washed away over time. This can be avoided by proper care and maintenance.

Sealcoating

Another way to protect from further damage is sealcoating. It should be done about every 3 to 5 years. By applying a sealcoating to your driveway, you can fill cracks while totally renewing the look of the asphalt surface. Simply sealcoating your asphalt driveway will suffice for an attractive appearance. Pairing this with crack filling, is very highly recommended.

Edging Protection

This step is often overlooked and forgotten about. The vegetation that grows around your driveway, can work itself into the cracks and bring moisture that is detrimental and unwanted for your driveway. This can be done as often as necessary and is fundamental in ensuring the plant life doesn’t destroy your asphalt driveway.

In Summary

These are just a few ways to maintain and take care of your asphalt driveway. Maintenance should be taken seriously or you could have to pay big money for repairs. You should look over your driveway at least a couple times a year to make sure that settling hasn’t occurred or cracks and potholes haven’t shown up due to the cold weather and increased precipitation.