Asphalt is prone to cracking due to deterioration, infrequent driveway sealer application, weakening seams, and many other issues. Homeowners can prevent these problems by performing regular maintenance. Here are four pieces of advice to minimize your likelihood of experiencing driveway cracks.

4 Tips to Prevent Driveway Cracks

1. Reseal Every Three to Five Years

Driveway sealer forms a barrier on the surface of your pavement. This boundary prevents UV rays, water, and spills from entering the porous material and breaking it down, thereby preventing cracks, dips, and other types of damage. Have professionals reseal the drive every three to five years to ensure it’s in top shape.

2. Patch Holes Immediately

Assess the pavement weekly to look for signs of holes, cracks, or other imperfections. It’s essential to fill in these issues immediately to prevent them from worsening and causing larger cracks or holes. Having asphalt patching mix at home will help you tackle these issues as they arrive. By being proactive about these issues, you’ll also help keep your family safe by eliminating fall and trip hazards.

3. Keep it Clean

Acorns, pebbles, and even sticks can all pose dangers to asphalt. When driven over, these dense materials can cause cracks and divots. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly sweep the driveway to prevent debris from causing costly problems. 

4. Promote Drainage

Homeowners must ensure their driveways have ample drainage to stabilize the pavement. This may mean angling the asphalt to funnel the water down the drive to an area where it will evaporate or even installing a drain at a low point. Taking these extra steps will prevent water damage from causing cracking and moisture damage. Pair excellent drainage with regular driveway sealer application for the best prevention method.

If you need a professional driveway sealer product, contact Rochester Jet-Blak Sealers, Inc to learn about their pavement services. This locally-owned and -operated team in Rochester, NY, provides contractors and DIY customers with asphalt and concrete sealers, application equipment, and crack fillers. Call them at (585) 436-5051 or visit their website for information on their affordable, high-quality products.