Asphalt driveways offer a clean, appealing look for your home’s exterior and durable space for your vehicles. This material can last up to 35 years, and maintenance is the key. Here are a few tips to remember when caring for your driveway.

How to Maintain Your Home’s Asphalt Driveway

1. Handle Issues Quickly

When damage occurs, don’t wait to have it fixed. A small crack will quickly become a large, dangerous pothole if left unchecked. Even normal wear should be handled swiftly, so damaged areas don’t worsen or weaken the rest of the surface.

2. Clean Frequently

Sweep away leaves, rocks, and other debris regularly to avoid stains from saturated particles. Oil and other vehicle fluid stains should be cleaned as soon as possible, so the substance doesn’t penetrate and erode the material. Avoid power washing, as this can blast away bits of asphalt. Instead, make a solution of one part dish soap and three parts water. Use a large brush to scrub the surface with the mixture and rinse it with the garden hose.

3. Watch Water

Make sure water isn’t left to pool on the surface. If it seeps into any cracks, it’ll penetrate the driveway’s sublayers and cause damage. Water also expands and contracts with changing temperatures, turning small fissures into sizable chasms. You should also sweep away pooling water after a rain shower, and direct lawn sprinklers away from the driveway.

4. Seal Regularly

Sealcoating protects your asphalt from damage, harsh UV rays that cause oxidation, vehicle fluid stains, and water trouble. Reseal the surface every three to five years to protect the material and prevent problems.

If you want professional help caring for your driveway, contact Pacific Asphalt & Maintenance in Kahului, HI. Their team of contractors has over 25 years of experience and can handle asphalt sealcoating and repairs of any size. Get more information about their services online, or call (808) 244-4555 to request a free quote.