How to Extend the Life of Your Asphalt

Whether you’re the proud owner of a newly minted asphalt driveway, or you’re a business owner looking to maintain your sizable parking lot for many productive years, it’s important to consider the best methods available to you for maintaining the life of your asphalt. It’s no secret that we would prefer our driveways and parking lots to stand the test of time.

However, what we may not realize is that we are our asphalt’s best defense against the elements, depreciation and wear and tear. While this can feel like a daunting task, especially for larger patches of asphalt, this handy guide will help you make short work of your property’s maintenance plan.

Regular Cleaning

It may seem like the lowest of low-hanging fruits, but the importance of regular cleanings for your asphalt cannot be overstated. This practice is most critical as Spring begins to roll in and the majority of Winter’s scorn is past us. It’s important to address any remnants left behind before they cause permanent damage. So, how can we stay on top of these issues before they leave their mark on our properties?

The harshness of Winter can leave behind a plethora of different materials on our asphalt. Sweeping to remove debris, leaves, and dirt regularly helps us avoid potential damages from accumulation and prevent stains that could pose a problem down the line. You can use a leaf blower if leaf shedding is a persistent issue on your property. Tougher stains could require the use of a pressure washer for tougher spots.

Depending on the amount of regular traffic that finds its way on to your particular asphalt configurations, this step could be a higher priority. For owners of asphalt parking lots and other areas, chemical leaks from exhaust and vehicle undercarriage can quickly dot your property. If you’re not careful, these fluids could easily cause permanent staining. This could affect residential properties as well if not properly attended to with a hose or pressure washer.

Sealcoating Your Asphalt

This maintenance measure is critical for those who live in particularly harsh climates, as harmful UV rays can take their toll on our driveways and lots. This can cause the binder in asphalt to break down. This process, called oxidation, causes the asphalt to lose its flexibility and strength, contributing to a more vulnerable space for your vehicles. 

Sealcoating is your best defense against these degenerative effects. It provides a protective layer that shields the asphalt from oxidation and moisture penetration, extending its lifespan. It’s best to consult a professional when considering this process, as asphalt driveway sealing near Montgomery County, PA consists of a multitude of steps to ensure the effectiveness of the results. 

Avoiding Heavy Loads

While this may be more feasible for residential asphalt owners, it should be considered for larger lots as well. If you regularly sport a construction-style vehicle that’s prone to placing excess weight on your driveway, it can cause the material to degrade quite rapidly when compared to the amount caused by standard use. In these situations, it’s advisable to invest in heavy-duty truck or vehicle mats that can help ease the burden on your driveway. 

For commercial properties, it can be beneficial to establish some ground rules that can protect your asphalt from unnecessary strain. Consider policing the utilization of your parking lot by uncommon vehicles such as long-haul trucking vehicles, buses and construction vehicles (unless absolutely necessary). Adhering to this practice can help your parking lot avoid becoming pothole central. 

Performing Regular Inspections

The final way to procure a long, functional life for your asphalt is also the simplest. Performing routine inspections is instrumental in catching problems or potential pain points before they have had a chance to take their toll. It’s easy to tune this phase out, as most of the time we view our patches of asphalt as just a landing zone for our or our customers’ vehicles.

However, taking the time to take a short lap around the property or assess potential repair needs for your driveway can go a long way towards reducing hassle and saving money down the road. If you happen to come upon issues that are too substantial for you to address alone, it may be time to rely upon one of the premier paving companies in Philadelphia to tackle these complicated situations.

Now that you’re aware of the potential consequences of a less-than-adequate preservation regimen for your Asphalt, we want to hear from you! At Kelly’s Paving & Concrete, we have 25 years of experience serving our customers and providing top-notch advice for all of your asphalt and concrete inquiries. If you’d like to learn more about the different paving options we offer or have general repair questions, feel free to contact us at your convenience today!