Asphalt pavement is a great improvement to your property and will provide you years of finished support for your home's appearance and value. Here are some recommendations to help you properly take care of your asphalt pavement's surface with regular and professional maintenance.
Prepare For Repairs
Repairs to your asphalt pavement are inevitable as the surface material ages, and depending on the temperature ranges of your climate, repairs may come to be necessary earlier than in other climates. Watch for signs of cracking and asphalt deterioration, specifically a lightening of the surface color and exposure of aggregates within the asphalt. When you notice signs of damage, you can plan for repairs and sealcoating to preserve and protect your asphalt. The better you protect the asphalt, the longer it will last and look great.
When your asphalt begins to lighten in color and form cracks, you should plan to make repairs and seal its surface. But first, you will need to clean off the surface to remove debris and other materials that can prevent the surface sealant and repairs from adhering. Scrape out any vegetation growth that has emerged in the cracks of your pavement. It is helpful to use a screwdriver to do so.
Sweep the surface clean to remove leaves, grass, and other debris just before you plan to complete repairs. And if your landscaping or lawn has begun to grow over the surface edges of your pavement, use an edger or the blade of a flat-edged shovel to cut the growth from off the pavement. When you sealcoat your asphalt, any debris will get stuck into the sealant and cause damage to the treatment. Also use an asphalt cleaning solution and scrub brush to clean off grease, oil, and gasoline stains from the pavement.
Consider the Weather
Before you begin repairs to prepare for a sealcoating application, you need to look at the weather and the temperature to make sure they are conducive to maintenance work on your asphalt. The weather needs to be warm and dry for sealcoating to properly dry and cure. And to repair cracks in your asphalt, the soil below cannot be frozen because it can cause heaving to the pavement and an uneven surface for repairs.
It is best to wait until late spring for sealcoating and asphalt maintenance. The warm weather conditions actually promote even distribution and curing of the repairing materials so your finished result looks great and also successfully adheres in place.
Contact a company that offers asphalt sealing services to learn more.
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