No matter what type of pavement you have on your property, it all comes down to how well you maintain it. Whether you're dealing with a driveway at home or a parking lot outside of your business, putting in the extra effort with routine paving services will save you from serious repair and replacement issues in the future. GMG General in Anchorage, AK, has helped residential and commercial companies in the area with paving maintenance and related projects for nearly 30 years, and they have some advice for anyone hoping to keep their surfaces in pristine condition.

Top 3 Tips for Proper Paving Maintenance

1. Mind the Edges

Due to the nature of traditional paving materials, the edges are among the most vulnerable areas. That makes edge support one of the primary goals in paving maintenance. In the case of exposed edges, for instance, you'll want to make sure the proper level of backfill is in place for support. This typically consists of soil or crushed aggregate, which will also help deter erosion below, so contact the paving service pros if your edges are inadequately protected.

2. Monitor Drainage Issues

Drainage is another serious concern when it comes to both commercial and residential paving. Moisture penetration can accelerate deterioration, so check your surfaces for any low spots that could potentially hold water and lead to further damage. Other types of distressing may occur, as well, including cracking, bleeding, rutting, and stripping, which happens when the aggregate and binder debond. As soon as a compromised area is discovered, following up with the proper paving services to fill it with a fine patching mix is a must. These issues also apply to gutters, drain inlets, and ditches, so it's important to be thorough during the drainage inspection process.

3. Reinforce With Sealing

One of the most effective ways to protect pavement is to have it sealed, which will significantly extend the life of the investment. Sealing is a key aspect of parking lot and driveway construction, providing a uniform appearance and a waterproof cover while slowing the rate of deterioration over the years that follow. The more emphasis you place on the initial sealing and any followup paving services, the less likely it is that you'll have to deal with driveway or parking lot resurfacing.

As long as you're proactive about protection and scheduling paving services, your pavement will stand the test of time. Whenever your maintenance efforts need a boost, get in touch with the experts at GMG General. Their team has built a strong reputation for staying on time and budget while delivering high-quality results. Head to their website for more information about their extensive paving services and call them at (907) 349-7854 to request a free estimate today.