Asphalt pavement is among homeowners’ most preferred choices because it is durable and relatively low-cost. Also, it makes the driveway beautiful due to its smoothness which adds a unique touch to your house. However, several factors like potholes, cracks, and general wear and tear can negatively affect your asphalt, shortening its lifespan. If you don’t maintain the outer layer properly, you’ll have to replace it sooner than you’d like.
Luckily, with a bit of care, you can prolong the life of your asphalt and keep it looking its best. Here are some easy hacks you need to know to fix the outer layer of your pavement.
Hire a 3rd Party Asphalt Repair Company
The life expectancy of an asphalt pavement can vary greatly depending on the location and climate. It can last 15-20 years or more with proper maintenance. And one way to ensure the longevity of your pavement is to hire a professional for asphalt resurfacing to remove and replace the outer layer entirely.
These companies have the experience and expertise to identify potential problems early on and take steps to prevent them from becoming serious issues. Resurfacing the top layer will save you time and money in the long run by prolonging the life of your pavement.
So if you want to maintain and fix the outer layer of the asphalt pavement, invest in asphalt resurfacing from a third-party company.
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Apply a Seal Coat
A seal coat is a protective layer that helps to prevent damage from weathering, traffic, and other elements. This tip applies to places that mostly experience harsh weather conditions like winter and extreme drought that might damage the asphalt pavement. Therefore, it is essential to reapply a seal coat every few years to keep your asphalt in good condition and extend the life of your driveway from 10 to 40 years.
So, as a homeowner, applying a seal coat might be easy, but there are a few tricks you should follow to ensure you get the best results. First, ensure the surface is clean and dry before starting the sealing work. Remove any dirt or debris that will prevent the coat from adhering properly to the ground.
Next, apply a thin, even layer of seal coat using a squeegee or brush. Be sure to work the seal coat into all cracks and crevices. Finally, allow the seal coat to dry completely before walking or driving on it. Following these simple tips can help keep your asphalt pavement looking new for several years, hence saving on cost. However, if you cannot do this yourself, it is best to hire an expert to ensure a high-quality sealing job.
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Patch up Holes and Cracks
Patching up holes and cracks is one of the critical aspects of fixing the outer asphalt pavement. Regularly inspecting your pavement for damage and taking steps to repair any damage found can help ensure that your pavement will last for many years.
One of the best ways to patch holes and cracks is to use a cold patch material. This is because it can be easily applied to the outer layer and harden quickly, making it ideal for repairs that need to be made in a hurry. But make sure you clean out the hole or crack thoroughly before applying the cold patch material, as this will help to ensure that the repair will be as strong as possible.
Furthermore, you can use a hot asphalt mix to fix the top layer of asphalt pavement. You can apply it using a trowel, which will harden the mixture as it cools. However, it is a bit more challenging to apply than cold patch material, but it can provide a stronger repair overall, which may prolong the durability of your pavement.
Fixing Drainage Issues
Several causes can lead to drainage issues that might affect your asphalt pavement. They include clogged drains and downspouts caused by leaves, debris, or even dirt and grime accumulated over time. Also, improper grading around your home can lead to drainage problems, and water will pool in certain areas instead of draining away, which can lead to severe damage to the outer layer. Broken or collapsed sewer lines running underneath your property can cause extensive damage to your asphalt pavement.
So, if you suspect that you have a drainage problem that might shorten the lifespan of your asphalt pavement, then it is essential to have it fixed as soon as possible. This is because if water is allowed to pool on the pavement’s surface, it can cause the asphalt to crack and erode over time. Ensuring that any drains or gutters are properly functioning can help keep your pavement in good condition for many years.
As soon as you see a broken drainage pipe or a clogged gutter, you should call a professional to come and take care of the problem. The sooner you address the issue, the less damage it will cause and the easier it will be to fix. It will ensure you maintain a beautiful driveway and serve you for longer when you maintain the outer layer of the asphalt pavement.
Sweep Your Asphalt Pavement Regularly
Another important thing you can do for the outer asphalt pavement is to sweep it regularly. It will remove any dirt, debris, or leaves that could clog up the surface and cause problems. It’s also a good idea to sweep after any heavy rainstorms to ensure that there’s no standing water on the pavement.
Moreover, if you have trees near your asphalt pavement, sweep up any fallen leaves. It will help keep your driveway in good condition and ensure your compound is neat and clean.
Conclusion
Asphalt pavement is a durable and long-lasting investment, but it needs proper care and maintenance to stay in good condition. Following the tips above, you can keep your asphalt driveway looking new for years to come. Regular sweeping, cleaning and seal coating will go a long way in protecting your pavement and ensuring it has a long lifespan.
