Investing in asphalt paving for your home is a big step that can greatly increase your home’s curb appeal and usability. A properly maintained asphalt driveway should last for 20-30 years with normal wear and tear. However, a lack of care and severe weather can cause your asphalt to break down prematurely. Fortunately, with the right care and proactive maintenance, you can extend your asphalt’s lifespan for years to come. Here are 10 tips from Productive Asphalt to help you keep your asphalt paving in the best condition possible.

Perhaps the best thing you can do to preserve your asphalt paving is sealcoating. Sealcoating protects the asphalt from moisture, UV rays, and chemicals like oil and gasoline. By applying a sealcoat every 2-3 years, you will ensure a smooth surface and prolong your driveway’s lifespan by preventing cracks. In addition to sealcoating, you should also fill cracks and repair potholes as soon as they appear. This will save you from future and more costly damage to your driveway. Water can seep into small cracks and cause the ground to break up further as it freezes and expands over time.

Keeping your driveway clear of dirt, debris, and oil stains can also help protect your asphalt paving. Over time, dirt, debris, and oil stains can all weaken asphalt. Try to sweep your driveway regularly and use a mild detergent or degreaser to remove oil spills. Power washing your driveway once or twice a year can also help to keep it fresh and clear of buildup. Lastly, good drainage is important for asphalt paving. Standing water is one of the biggest enemies of asphalt, and poor drainage can lead to cracking, potholes, and structural damage. Could you make sure your driveway is properly graded and that your gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris?

Try not to allow excessive weight or sharp objects on your driveway. Heavy trucks, trailers, and equipment can all create indentations and cracks in asphalt paving. Try to move these items around occasionally to avoid long-term damage. When removing snow with shovels, avoid using metal shovels or other sharp instruments that can scratch or chip the surface of your driveway. Reinforcing your driveway’s edges can also help to keep them in good condition for longer. The edges of asphalt paving are more susceptible to cracking and crumbling than the center of the driveway. Try not to park near the edges, and you can also install a protective border using concrete or pavers. This will reinforce the sides of your driveway and help prevent damage, extending its lifespan.

Chemicals can also be damaging to asphalt driveways. Most de-icing products on the market contain harsh ingredients that can break down asphalt over time. You can use asphalt-safe products like calcium magnesium acetate or apply sand to the surface for better traction. Weather changes are another critical thing to monitor and protect against when taking care of your asphalt driveway. During winter, you can use sealcoating and crack filling to prevent damage from the freeze-thaw cycle. During summer, you can avoid softening and ruts by applying a light layer of water to your driveway on extremely hot days.

Seasonal inspections are an excellent way to identify small problems before they turn into big ones. Look for early signs of wear, like small cracks, discoloration, or uneven patches. Correcting minor issues early can save you money and prevent more expensive repairs down the road. Some maintenance tasks are best left to professionals. Hiring a maintenance contractor like Productive Asphalt for repairs, seal coating, and resurfacing work will ensure that your driveway stays in top-notch condition for years to come.

Proper maintenance of asphalt paving is a vital part of keeping your driveway long lasting and durable. Follow our top 10 asphalt paving maintenance tips to prevent your asphalt from becoming damaged prematurely. Protect your property with a well-maintained driveway and prevent expensive repairs by taking a few extra minutes to properly maintain your asphalt paving. Contact Productive Asphalt for all your paving needs. We are available 24/7 to give you a free consultation and help you with all of your asphalt paving needs to keep your property maintained.