How to Keep Your Asphalt Pavement in Great Shape

Asphalt paving is a great long-term investment, and a well-laid slab or drive can easily last between 20 and 30 years – but only with proper maintenance. Asphalt paving takes a lot of abuse, as well as being constantly exposed to the weather and elements. It needs to be protected and well-maintained if you’re going to see the best return on your investment.

So it’s important to keep an eye on your asphalt and be ready to take care of any minor issues before they turn into big problems. These are the most important things to keep in mind when maintaining your asphalt.

Three Musts When Maintaining Asphalt Pavement

1. Keep it clean

Asphalt is strong, but it is slightly soft. Trash and debris can damage the asphalt over time, particularly if vehicles are driving over that debris and grinding it directly into the asphalt. Also, smaller debris like dirt can be ground into the asphalt as well, discoloring it. If there’s too much junk on the asphalt, it could even disrupt water runoff, leading to water pooling – and that can quickly damage the asphalt as well.

So be sure to regularly clean your asphalt. Usually, just spraying it down with water is all it takes, but be sure to remove anything that’s stuck.

2. Repair cracks quickly

Once a crack or hole appears in your asphalt, it will only get bigger and be more of a problem over time. Small cracks can often be repaired using DIY patching tools. However, if you let the crack grow, you could be looking at expensive repair bills.

3. Sealcoat your pavement regularly

Sealcoating is to asphalt what finishing is to wood. It creates a hard, waterproof surface on your asphalt that protects it from water damage, UV damage, and more. When asphalt pavement is first installed, it needs to rest for at least 3 months before sealcoating, and 6-12 months is more common.

After that, the sealcoating should be replaced every 2-3 years. It’s a bit of a hassle, but this can add many years to the life of your asphalt, as well as preserving its looks.

Get Asphalt Pavement Services Today

Blalock Paving are the Triangle’s experts for concrete and asphalt paving, as well as asphalt sealcoating. If you want pavement that will last for years or need to maintain your existing asphalt, just click here for a free estimate!