How to Care for an Asphalt Driveway

Even if you’re not particularly interested in boosting your home’s curb appeal, caring for your driveway is an important task that requires dedication and effort. After all, once you’ve installed affordable asphalt driveways in Brisbane for your property, you need to make sure that you take care of them so you can make the most of your investment. Here’s how you can protect your driveway from the climate and keep it looking good for a long time.

Clean it regularly

Hose off or sweep away any debris, such as leaves, dirt, sand, and other loose materials that get on your driveway. Leaving them there can trap moisture, which can contribute to wear. In case there are any spills of gasoline, oil, or other vehicle fluids, clean them up immediately with some soap and water, then scrub off the spill gently with a non-metallic brush. These fluids can break down the binder in the asphalt, so you don’t want to let them seep into the material as much as possible. If you see weeds sprouting up in any cracks, spray them with a herbicide so you can kill the roots and prevent them from ruining the asphalt further.

Repair any cracks

Make it a habit to check for any cracks that may be forming in your driveway. If you address any issues early, then you can prevent more damage from happening. Before doing any repairs, clean out any debris, dirt, and vegetation that are found inside the cracks, then fill them out with either a rubberised filler or a patch compound, depending on how big or small the cracks are.

Apply a sealcoat

Usually, an asphalt driveway should be sealed within six months of being installed after it has fully cured. A sealcoat will protect the asphalt from water penetration, oxidation from ultraviolet radiation, and corrosion from chemical spills. Sealcoating should be done every two to five years, depending on your area’s weather.

Protect the driveway’s edges

Don’t drive along or park on the edges of your driveway since doing so can stress out the material and eventually cause it to crumble over time. You can plant some grass or add topsoil along these edges since these can provide some reinforcement as well as improve drainage. When adding topsoil, make sure that it’s at least an inch below the surface of your driveway.

Manage the drainage

Make sure that there’s proper drainage for your driveway so you can prevent the occurrence of standing water. Check if your driveway is graded in such a way that it will allow water to run off. Clear any downspouts or gutters that may be directing water onto your driveway and address any low spots where water tends to pool up.

Avoid heavy loads and sharp objects

As much as possible, avoid parking very heavy vehicles on your driveway, especially if it isn’t designed to handle such heavy loads. For any static loads such as plywood, distribute them evenly so the stress isn’t concentrated in just one spot. Furthermore, if you’re using any sharp tools on the asphalt, take extra care not to cause damage.

With a little work and time, you can keep your driveway looking great throughout the seasons. And if you’re in need of installation services for a new asphalt driveway, contact Bitumen Co. today.