Beautifully paved driveways complement homes and landscape, offering convenience and durability. If you’ve recently had a new asphalt driveway installed, you’ll want to maintain its pristine appearance for years to come.

Here, the experts at Beausoleil & Sons in Cranston, RI, discuss seasonal and weather-related threats. For over 50 years, the family-owned paving company has specialized in residential driveway paving and stands by their outstanding work.

The professional paving company notes that while paved driveways are prized for being low maintenance, harsh outdoor elements can leave them vulnerable to cracking. Here are the three main culprits to watch out for this summer:

• Sun Exposure: The blazing summer sun beats down on asphalt, producing heat and causing some of the components within the material to slowly decompose. Excessive sun can dry out asphalt, leaving the surface susceptible to cracking from everyday stresses, like a parked car or basketball net.
• Extreme Moisture: While intense dryness can be hazardous to asphalt, too much moisture creates similarly undesirable conditions. Relentless moisture will work almost immediately to break down a paved driveway. It begins by removing the gravel and sand base, prompting the surface layer to shift and break.
• Ground Movements: Ground thawing that occurs in spring and summer produces shifting in the earth that can impact asphalt. Asphalt driveways are installed on gravel that’s spread atop graded earth; when the earth moves, that gravel moves with it. This puts pressure on the asphalt, potentially leading to cracks or potholes.

To address driveway cracking and optimize the value of your investment, consult the knowledgeable team at Beausoleil & Sons. Committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction, this exceptional paving company will thoroughly evaluate your project needs, providing you with detailed options and expert recommendations. Call today at 401-632-0203 to schedule a quote and check out their website.