Concrete and asphalt are among the most popular paving materials thanks to their durability and longevity. Maintaining residential and commercial driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces takes little effort yet extends the life of either material considerably. Below are maintenance tips that will help keep your surfaces looking fantastic for years.

How to Keep Concrete & Asphalt Surfaces Pristine

1. Remove Staining Agents Immediately

Eliminate motor oil, gasoline, and other chemical spills as soon as possible. While these stains disappear into black asphalt surfaces, they eat away at the material and can result in holes, depressions, and other damage. Although chemicals on concrete inflict less damage because the material is less pliable than asphalt, they still discolor the surface and create unappealing stains.

2. Keep Up With Cleaning

In addition to tackling stains, sweep regularly to remove dirt and other debris. Take extra care after mowing your lawn, as seeds can infiltrate cracks and sprout weeds. Schedule professional power washing every few months to blast away deposits.

3. Fill Cracks & Depressions

Request repair services to fill in cracks and depressions before the imperfections can grow and cause functional or cosmetic issues. Clean these areas before the repair service’s arrival to prevent mixing dirt, seeds, and other debris in with the filling material.

4. Schedule Resealing as Needed

Schedule seal coating for asphalt about every two years. For concrete, get a new seal coat every one to three years. Depending on your location, you may need seal coating services more often due to cracks and other damage from freeze-thaw cycles.

5. Provide Seasonal Care

Refrain from using salt or de-icing chemicals on your surface during the winter since they alter the materials chemically, contribute to cracks, and harm vegetation. Avoid parking on asphalt driveways and parking lots during the hottest times of day in summer since the petroleum product softens in the heat. Additional weight subsequently contributes to cracking and tracking — or impressions — from tires and footwear.

Keep your asphalt or concrete surfaces in excellent condition by working with Neyra Paving. This Cincinnati, OH, paving contractor provides seal coating, asphalt repair, crack sealing, pothole services, and more. The company has maintained the trust of area residents and business owners for over 50 years. Call (513) 733-1001 today to schedule maintenance, or request a free estimate online. Get more tips and industry news on Twitter.