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Many homeowners make a mistake of overlooking the importance of asphalt maintenance.
After all, it’s tough and durable, isn’t it? If you don’t take proper care of the asphalt surface, you can end up dealing with cracks and potholes in no time.
In the summer, the asphalt takes less beating from the weather than in the winter. However, hot sun, winds, and rain can reduce its integrity.
How to Maintain Your Asphalt Driveway During Summer
If you want your asphalt driveway to serve you for many years to come, it’s vital to take advantage of the following tips.
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1. Allow the Asphalt to Harden
If you’ve recently paved your driveway, you need to be extra careful about using it. According to asphalt repair workers at ABC Paving & Sealcoating, fresh asphalt can take up to twelve months to cure and harden.
During that time, if you put any lawn chairs, tables, or other furniture on the surface, they may sink in if the weather is hot. The holes that occur in such a case can ruin the integrity of your asphalt and force you to deal with the repair.
2. Keep the Asphalt Clean
Even though asphalt driveways are highly durable, they are susceptible to chemicals. This is especially true for the hot season. If you accidentally spill oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, or any other types of toxic liquids, clean them off as soon as possible.
If you allow these chemicals to sink in, they will ruin the integrity of your pavement. As a result, you may be facing re-paving works in the nearest future.
3. Take Advantage of Sealcoating
Sealcoating can improve your asphalts’ integrity all year round. The special coating seals tiny holes and cracks, not allowing them to grow into potholes. Meanwhile, a new seal coat can improve your driveways’ aesthetic appearance, making it black and shiny.
Sealcoating gives your driveway waterproof properties, keeping it durable in the summer and the upcoming rainy season. The coating leaves a smooth finish, which makes it easier to clean the pavement.
4. Repair Cracks and Holes
If your asphalt pavement requires repair, summer is the perfect time to do it. All asphalt repair works should be done in the summer thanks to the warm and dry weather.
If you fail to improve your asphalt driveway in the summer, you are likely to pay much more money for doing the same job in the winter.
Rain, snow, and winds can be hard on the asphalt pavement. A small crack in the summer easily turns into a pothole in the winter.
5. Protect Asphalt Edges
The weakest point of your asphalt driveway is its edge. The majority of the problems start there. During the summer, you need to pay special attention to the edges by either building soil around them or applying driveway edging material.
While keeping the edges strong, you have to remember to avoid parking on the edge. Extreme pressure can crumble the edges. When the edges weaken, the entire pavement is in trouble.
6. Sweeping the Asphalt
Even though it seems as if dirt and debris can’t possibly damage your asphalt driveway, it’s not true. Small branches and leaves tend to get into tiny cracks, making them larger with time.
Make sure to sweep the asphalt on a regular basis. While you are keeping the pavement clean, take the opportunity to inspect it.
The faster you notice and repair cracks and holes, the fewer chances they have at ruining your driveway.
Even your driveway doesn’t require sweeping too often, regular inspections are a must-have.
7. Follow the Maintenance Plan
The best way to keep your asphalt in top shape in the summer and all year round is to set up a maintenance plan. When you pave your driveway, consider asking the paving experts about the proper care for your asphalt.
Usually, all you have to do is inspect it on a regular basis and act as quickly as possible to avoid cracks turning into holes. If you aren’t sure whether a crack is big enough to warrant your attention, consider asking for professional assistance.
Preventive measures are the key to your asphalt driveway’s integrity and longevity.
Maintaining the driveway in the summer can save you time, money, and effort in the winter. Keep the pavement clean, sealed, and crack-free.
