Driveways need a little assistance to keep their pristine appearance. As a homeowner, that means you’ll need to learn about some asphalt maintenance techniques to protect the surface. Here’s a guide to what you should and shouldn’t do.

Do:

Add a sealcoat.

This barrier protects your asphalt against harmful UV rays, stops oil spills from seeping in, blocks weeds from growing, and slows the fading of the material’s rich color. The sealcoat will need to be reapplied once every one to three years, depending on your driveway’s condition.

Clean up after mowing the lawn.

Mowing will scatter several seedlings onto the asphalt surface, creating the possibility that weeds and grasses will start growing in the driveway. Random sprouts are unsightly, and they exacerbate small cracks. To prevent this issue, always sweep your asphalt driveway after mowing.

Don’t:

Ignore oil spots.

If oil leaks from your vehicle onto the driveway, brush it off with a degreasing agent, water, and a broom immediately. If this substance lingers, it’ll damage the chemical connections in the asphalt, weakening its integrity. Move your car onto the street while you wash the driveway, then take it to an auto shop to repair the leak.

Forget to fill cracks.

Most asphalt surfaces form cracks from everyday wear. Have your asphalt maintenance team fill fissures immediately to prevent them from widening and deepening. To avoid breakages, ensure there isn’t an overwhelming load on the surface. Unload your car’s trunk of unnecessary supplies and avoid overloading your driveway with too many parked cars.

If you want professional assistance caring for your driveway, contact the team at Peterson Bros. Construction, Inc., on Oahu, HI. Their asphalt maintenance contractors are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, boasting over 60 years of combined experience. Get more information about their services online, or call (808) 679-9522 to request a free estimate.