Installing an asphalt driveway provides you with an affordable and functional structure. Additionally, asphalt maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only routine inspections to prevent issues or fixes that can be resolved in a day.

How to Maintain Your Asphalt Driveway

1. Regularly Check for & Remove Weeds

Even though asphalt is tough, it isn’t impervious to grass and weeds growing under it or nearby. As it ages and develops weather damage, small cracks will appear and provide enough room for these invaders to take root. If you notice sprouts coming through, douse them with water and pull out as much as possible to reduce the chances of regrowth. Then, pour boiling water directly over the growth every day for three to five days to destroy the blades, which are needed to pass nutrients to the roots. Performing these steps soon after the weeds are noticed will prevent them from worsening the cracks.

2. Repair Cracks

After you’ve taken care of any invaders, it’s time to patch up the small cracks and fissures that were allowing them to come through. It’s best to hire a professional to handle the asphalt maintenance and repair as using emulsion crack filler incorrectly can lead to stains on your driveway or worsen the problem. Contractors will also have the specialized tools and materials that are needed for gaps larger than half an inch.

3. Reseal the Pavement

Extend the life of your asphalt driveway by protecting the binding material, which is susceptible to moisture, UV light, and chemical damage. Sealcoating, also known as pavement sealing, provides a layer of protection over the surface of the asphalt. It keeps out harmful elements that could degrade the asphalt and provides a slick, black finish. Perform this maintenance every two to three years or whenever you notice the pavement starting to dull.

If your pavement has cracks or lost its sheen, contact the professionals at Peterson Bros. Construction in Waianae, HI, for quality asphalt maintenance. This family-owned business has 60 years of combined construction industry experience, and their team is licensed, bonded, and insured. They offer a variety of services, such as installing, maintaining, and enhancing driveways, parking lots, and other asphalt surfaces. Call (808) 679-9522 to discuss your needs, or visit their website to learn more about their other construction services.