New Asphalt Driveway Maintenance. A brand new asphalt driveway is a marvel to look at, but the hard truth is that it won’t sparkle as new forever. Time deteriorates all renovations, including this one.
An asphalt driveway can last anywhere between 12 to 35 years. Its lifespan generally depends on your local climate and the amount of care you put into it.
The good news is that there are a few well-founded measures you can take to keep your asphalt functional and sharp-looking. If you’re seeking to get the most out of your driveway in the long run, take a look at the following tips we’ve put together.
Putting Your Asphalt Driveway to Use
As aesthetically pleasing an asphalt driveway can be, it’s meant to be a functional renovation — in other words, you’ll be using it a lot. However, the way you use it will go a long way in affecting its lifespan.
For example, when driving or parking on the asphalt, try to avoid turning the wheels if the car is not in motion. This can lead to tire tracking, especially on a hot and sunny day.
Additionally, try to limit any heavy vehicles from using your driveway if possible. Moving vans and garbage trucks can bevel the surface over time, which is definitely something you want to avoid.
Cleaning Your Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt is known for its ability to hide imperfections. Despite that, it’s still important to give it a good cleaning on a regular basis.
Leaves and other debris can gather on the driveway if left unkempt. As they decompose, they may leave some marks over the asphalt’s surface. It’s best to bypass this risk by sweeping the driveway on a weekly basis.
To rejuvenate its surface, you can give your driveway a good scrubbing. Simply fill a bucket with one part dish soap and three parts water, and use a rough brush to give the asphalt a once over. Rinse the soap off with a hose, and bask in the glow of your freshly clean driveway!
As a side note, avoid cleaning with power washers since this can damage the asphalt if not done by a professional.
Sealing Your Asphalt Driveway
Nothing beats the look of a brand new asphalt driveway after it’s been freshly installed. Just be sure to soak in the experience while it lasts, since imperfections will inevitably appear over time.
Specifically, exposure to the elements and the weight it sustains over the long term will cause small cracks to form. These small cracks can cause a significant issue if they continue to decay.
Thankfully, you can limit the deterioration of your driveway by sealing it regularly. It’s usually recommended to seal your driveway every 2-4 years, but you’re free to do so on a yearly basis if asphalt maintenance is a priority.
Repairing Your Asphalt Driveway
While it’s true that the quality and lifespan of an asphalt driveway depends largely on the care you’ve put into it, even the most well-maintained driveways will need a repair eventually.
The most common asphalt reparations are made to the small potholes and cracks that appear over time. These blemishes are practically unavoidable, and the best way to fix them is by working with a professional asphalt and chip seal company in Fort Worth.
