If you have a brand-new, smooth asphalt driveway, you want it to stay looking this nice as long as possible. However, neglect and severe environmental factors can ruin the pavement. Here are common maintenance mistakes that homeowners make and how to avoid them.

Avoid These Maintenance Mistakes for Your Asphalt Driveway

1. Improper Sealing

Asphalt driveways should be sealed to protect them from the elements and chemicals that may be spilled on the surface. But, you should avoid sealing the driveway too soon. Asphalt needs to cure for up to two months; since the sealer fills the natural pores of the asphalt, it prevents this curing process. The result can be cracks, crumbling, or settling.

Schedule a sealing time with your contractor when having the paving done, as they will know the proper curing time necessary for your project. And, don’t skip the seal coat, as the driveway will deteriorate faster.

2. Chemical Spills & Use

Even with a sealant, an asphalt driveway will be susceptible to damage from common chemicals. Avoid using salt for winter ice, as it can lead to cracks or pitting. Use a commercial “ice melt” product instead that is safer for pavement. But, clean up the excess once the ice is gone.

If you change your own oil or have a leaky vehicle, don’t let oil, gas, or other automotive fluids leak and sit on the paving. Place cardboard or some kind of protective covering over the asphalt. Don’t let other chemical spills — such as paint thinner, paint, or lawn care products — sit on the driveway. Clean up any chemical immediately to avoid cracks and damage.

3. Heat Sensitivity

If the driveway is new or the temperatures are hot outside, the paving will be soft. Unevenly distributed weight — such as four tires — won’t leave marks unless the car is parked for long periods. But, avoid leaving a boat, RV, or other trailer with a jack post sitting directly on the drive; this will leave an indent or hole where water can leak in, pool, and cause cracks and damage. Use a piece of wood between the post and the paving. Fresh asphalt can be damaged by high heels as well as the kickstand of a bike or motorcycle.

For paving solutions in Harrisburg, NC, and throughout the Carolinas, contact Bryer & Son Asphalt Paving Co. Their experienced team has been providing residential and commercial paving for 38 years. They install and repair new asphalt driveways and parking lots, and they offer seal coating services. Call (704) 786-7787 for a quote, or visit them online to see a full range of services.