Celebrated for its easy installation, durability, affordability, and low maintenance needs, asphalt remains a popular choice for driveways and parking lots. The greatest threats to this petroleum product are UV rays, water, and chemicals such as motor oil and gasoline, all of which contribute to its premature deterioration. Instead of dealing with untimely cracks, depressions, and other damages, use these tips to maintain your asphalt driveway or parking lot.

Do:

Schedule routine sealcoating.

Schedule asphalt sealcoating application every three to five years, depending on factors such as weather changes and the amount of traffic your driveway or parking lot receives on a daily basis. Quality asphalt sealant creates a protective barrier between the material and the UV rays, rain, snow, ice, and chemicals that would otherwise damage it.

Sweep the surface.

Sweep your parking lot or driveway periodically to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that does nothing for curb appeal. As you sweep, inspect the asphalt for motor oil and gasoline spills that cause the binding agent in the material to deteriorate. Look for puddles, since asphalt’s black color makes these spills hard to detect. Check for cracks, and schedule repairs as soon as you spot them. Filling small cracks prevents water infiltration that results in depressions and “alligatoring,” or fatigue cracking.

Don’t:

Let sprinklers hit the asphalt.

Direct sprinkler systems away from asphalt driveways and parking lots, since the material is porous. Water contributes to the aforementioned depressions and fatigue cracking, as well as potholes. Not only does water soften the underlying material; it expands when it freezes to create noticeable cracks.

Allow heavy equipment on the surface.

Keep construction vehicles, forklifts, and other heavy equipment off asphalt surfaces. While driveways and parking lots made with this petroleum product easily withstand “regular” cars and trucks, they are not designed for extra-heavy equipment, especially when they are already damaged. Excessive weight causes cracks and makes existing ones worse. 

 

Schedule sealcoating for your asphalt driveway or parking lot with Useal USA to maintain your investment. Based in Bloomfield, CT, this business serves residential and commercial clients throughout Connecticut. Call (860) 324-6015 today to schedule asphalt sealant services or visit their website for more information about this business’s commercial-grade products.