Your asphalt driveway fights an ongoing battle with the weather, heavy objects, and all the other elements that can crack it. To keep your driveway strong, there are plenty of steps you can take to help the asphalt avoid cracks and enjoy a long working life. Use these five tips to keep your asphalt driveway crack-free.

5 Ways To Prevent Asphalt Driveway Cracks

1. Schedule Routine Sealcoating

Sealcoating your asphalt driveway will extend its life. Sealcoating products create barriers between asphalt and damaging UV rays, rain, snow, ice, and assorted chemicals to prevent oxidation and degradation. The products also increase the melting rate of snow and ice, and contribute to a more attractive appearance. Schedule seal coating about every two years to enjoy these benefits.

2. Keep It Clean

Sweep your asphalt driveway to remove dirt, leaves, seeds, and other debris. Sprouted weeds indicate cracks that will widen as the root systems expand. Eliminate weeds and their root systems to avoid bigger cracks. Address chemical spills as soon as they occur to avoid permanent damage, including spills from motor oil, gasoline, and other auto fluids.

3. Repair Cracks As Soon As They Appear

Clean small cracks of debris, and fix them with a quality crack filler and patching compound to prevent them from expanding. Repair potholes as well with a compound recommended by paving suppliers to prevent further damage.

4. Avoid Heavy Traffic

Keep excessively heavy vehicles, such as commercial trucks, off your asphalt driveway as much as possible. While the material is designed to withstand standard cars and trucks, heavier vehicles inflict extra stress. The amount of traffic your paved surface receives also impacts maintenance because it causes asphalt to wear down faster.

5. Take Extra Care With Snow Removal

Push snow using a plastic shovel to avoid piercing the asphalt and creating holes and cracks. If you use a snowplow, raise the blade so it can’t scrape the driveway. You can also use a snowblower or environmentally-friendly deicers such as beet juice and alfalfa. 

 

Keep your residential or commercial asphalt driveway in excellent condition for years with products from Useal USA. Based in Bloomfield and serving home and business owners throughout Connecticut, the paving supplier specializes in seal coating, pothole repair, and crack filling products. Ask questions today by calling (860) 263-8339 or learn more about crack filling products online.