Even though a newly laid asphalt surface is made of seemingly indestructible materials like rock, gravel and tar, these surfaces can age quickly in the weather elements if not maintained. The first thing to do (after admiring your new asphalt surface of course) is set some calendar reminders to make these relatively easy things a part of your business’ operations. Taking moments to perform some routine maintenance will protect your investment of an asphalt surface.
1. Sealcoat/Crackfill Your Driveway or Surface Every 2-3 Years
Once a crack develops in any hard surface, it is only a matter of time until it grows and travels in a pattern to create even more damage like fragments being displaced or even the beginnings of a pothole. Once any cracks are visible, take the time to tackle it immediately.
Patching services are available from most asphalt companies. However, if you want to perform the smaller needs yourselves, there are tools available for that. Just something as simple as resources you can get from Home Depot can get the small needs addressed quickly.
2. Remove Debris
Even small things on top of an asphalt surface can cause damage over time. Don’t underestimate the damage that dirt and rocks can cause to your surface. Large rocks that driven over by vehicles can act as a hammer smashing glass. The rock being the hammer tip, the asphalt the glass and the force from the vehicle being the swing of the hammer. Dust and dirt can be a nuisance over time. Many different elements and compounds can get mixed with rain water or thawing ice and create acidic chemicals that can wear down asphalt compounds.
Industrial air blowers and large brooms can help move debris off the surface. Also, there are also many companies that offer affordable routine street and parking lot sweeping. Get a quote and start with a quarterly sweep of your surfaces. If you live in an area that is near sand and dirt, you may need to entertain doing this monthly.
3. Remove Standing Water
Speaking of water, water is another natural force to figure out how to stay on top of. Standing water on an asphalt can lead to pavement crumbling, deepening crevices, top-level surface cracking, fading of striping/markers, potholes, heaves, depressions and cracking. You won’t be able to keep your surface dry 100% of the time, but you can reduce the wear and tear. If a surface is starting to collect water in key spots, you might need to raise the area slightly to aid in the movement of water away from lower recessed areas where water can collect. Most asphalt companies can lay a Hot Mix Asphalt for you to raise problem areas. Calling a local asphalt vendor to perform a few extra surface layers will help you stay on top of it before it turns into an expensive replacement of the entire surface.
Depending on the size of the asphalt surface, you might be able to move the water with a rubber squeegee that you can run back and forth on the asphalt.
Let’s face it, asphalt surfaces are going to erode, fade and crack, but if you don’t have to invest in a major overhaul, it frees up your operations’ budget for other exciting things!
If you still have questions on how to prolong the life of your asphalt or cement surfaces, contact us and we can help advise on next steps or provide suggestions.
