Asphalt maintenance is essential to keep the pavement in optimal condition and prevent premature degrading. Thankfully, knowing what to do and not to do on pavement will make caring for your parking lot or driveway more effective and less stressful. To learn more about the proper way to care for your pavement, consider the following do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Add a sealcoat.

Every three to five years, you should apply an asphalt sealcoat to the surface of the pavement. This protection prevents water from penetrating the blacktop and causing oxidation. However, using a sealcoat isn’t a one-time occurrence; you must apply it on a regular schedule for maximum effectiveness.

Fill cracks quickly.

Though cracks in the pavement don’t seem like a significant issue, they can be cause for worry. Cracks allow water to seep into the asphalt and damage the base course beneath the surface. They also lead to alligator cracks and potholes if left unchecked, so it’s crucial to fill cracks as soon as possible.

Don’t:

Expect your driveway not to have puddles.

Though flooding will weaken asphalt, especially if it has cracks, it is normal for an occasional puddle to form. Shallow pools of water will not damage the surface of the driveway. If the driveway was paved recently, the puddling could be the result of oils in the material retaining water, but they will eventually evaporate.

Load heavy vehicles on your pavement.

Large trucks and heavy equipment will severely damage asphalt. The pavement is not designed to handle the excessive weight. Construction vehicles and equipment will further degrade driveways, roads, and parking lots that have a damaged base course or cracks on the surface.

 

For more than 25 years, the professionals at MJM Services have provided superior paving and sealcoating services to clients throughout Wasilla and Anchorage, AK. This paving company is family-owned and operated by a father and son duo, along with their wives and grandchildren, and prides themselves on providing excellent customer service to each client as well as quality workmanship. Whether you need driveway paving, parking lot repairs, or other asphalt services, they have the tools and expertise to get the job done right. For a free estimate, call (907) 376-5222, or visit them online today for more details about their services.