Five Maintenance Tips for Your Asphalt Paving
Asphalt is a considerable investment, whether a small driveway or a substantial commercial parking lot. Therefore, it is essential to protect your investment and avoid unnecessary repair or replacement costs down the road. Our experts on sealcoating in Bandera, TX, offer these tips for maintaining your asphalt paving.
Allow time for curing
Be sure to prevent foot and vehicle traffic on your new pavement for 24 to 48 hours following installation to allow it plenty of time to dry and harden. Driving and walking on it too soon after installation can lead to indentions in the pavement that can become cracks in the future. Keep traffic off of your newly paved surface as long as possible to ensure plenty of time for it to cure.
Make repairs immediately
You should always act immediately if you notice weeds, cracks, or holes in your pavement. These damages will spread and widen due to water intrusion, ultimately risking your pavement's structural integrity. Avoid the erosion of your deeper pavement layers with weekly inspections of your pavement and timely repairs of any damages you discover. This practice will help you avoid the costs associated with more comprehensive repairs or replacements in the future and extend the life of your asphalt investment.
Sealcoating maintenance
Your asphalt pavement should be sealcoated within a year of initial installation and every two to three years after for optimal protection. Sealcoating provides a protective layer of liquid asphalt emulsion to prevent damage from UV rays, water intrusion, vehicle fluid leaks, heavy traffic patterns, and other dangerous elements. Performing this maintenance procedure regularly will prevent unnecessary repair costs and keep your pavement looking new and appealing.
Pavement cleaning
Keeping your asphalt surfaces free of debris and dirt will keep them looking and functioning optimally for a more extended period. Automobile fluid leaks, chemicals, salt, dirt, leaves, and rocks can damage your pavement, but you can avoid these damages by cleaning your pavement regularly. You can do this by sweeping it and scrubbing any chemical or fluid stains on the pavement surface with water and a mild cleaning solution like dish soap. Another option is to have your pavement regularly pressure washed to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants.
Address drainage issues
You likely have a drainage problem if you notice water puddling on the surface of your pavement. Standing water on your paved surface can lead to cracking, which evolves into more extensive structural damages when not addressed post haste. Contact your paving contractor right away if you notice standing water on your pavement to avoid more costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Follow these tips for maintaining your asphalt pavement. Keeping your pavement maintained and repaired will extend its life and keep it looking and functioning at its best, preventing the need for untimely replacement or costly repairs. Contact us today for asphalt repairs and sealcoating in Bandera, TX. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right and exceed your expectations.