We all love a classic Kiwi summer, but those high temperatures and intense UV levels can be just as tough on your driveway as they can on everything else. Aotearoa’s sun is particularly harsh, and for an asphalt pavement or driveway, this means constant exposure to heat that can lead to softening, fading, and even serious structural damage over time.
Asphalt maintenance in summer amy seem like a big job, but it’s a good idea to get it scheduled. Not only is it the best season for repairs thanks to all that warm, dry air, but it’s also when your asphalt is most likely to encounter issues from the elements.
Luckily, you can stay on top of the condition of your pavement or driveway with a few simple maintenance tasks. One or two things taken care of across your summer will help you to extend the life of your pavement and avoid the need for a full resurface.
Why is summer so harsh on asphalt?
Asphalt maintenance in summer is so important because asphalt is a flexible material, which is one of its greatest strengths. But it’s also a double-edged sword. That well-loved flexibility comes from the bitumen binder holding the stones together. But when the mercury rises, the bitumen binder will soften, making the asphalt even more flexible.
That softening makes the asphalt surface much more vulnerable to tyre marks, bitumen melting off and sticking to shoes and tyres, or even “bleeding”, where the black binder rises to the surface and becomes actively sticky.
On top of the heat, Aotearoa’s got a high UV index that can make the binder and asphalt oxidise even faster. This is what turns asphalt driveways that were once dark and sleek into dull, grey, brittle things.
What does asphalt maintenance in summer look like?
So, how can you look after your asphalt pavement or driveway to keep it beautiful and strong for as long as possible? Summer maintenance involves a few key steps that we’ll unpack here.
Regular cleaning.
It might seem simple, but keeping your asphalt clean is your first line of defence. Organic material like leaves, grass clippings, and dirt can trap moisture and heat against the surface.
During a hot afternoon, this trapped moisture can actually weaken the asphalt’s top layer. A quick sweep with a stiff-bristle broom once a week is usually all it takes to keep the surface breathing.
Treating oil spills immediately.
Oil and petrol spills eat away at the bitumen binder, slowly turning a solid surface into a loose pile of gravel. If you notice a leak from a car, soak it up immediately with an absorbent material like sawdust or kitty litter, then clean the area with mild soapy water.
Filling and sealing cracks.
Summer is the absolute best time for crack repair. Because the ground is dry and the ambient temperature is high, sealants can bond perfectly with the existing asphalt.
If you leave cracks open during the summer, they will only expand as the pavement moves with the heat. Filling them now is best, as it prevents water from getting into the sub-base during the first rains of autumn (which we find is the leading cause of potholes). You can also chat with a professional team like ours to fill larger cracks that may appear.
Applying a protective sealcoat.
Sealcoating is a massively important piece of your pavement and driveway’s defence. A professional sealcoat provides a sacrificial barrier that takes the brunt of the UV rays and prevents the underlying bitumen from drying out.
Not only does it protect the structure, but it also restores your property to its deep black “new” look.
Changing up your lifestyle a touch (for new asphalt).
If your pavement or driveway was laid recently, it needs a little bit of extra care during its first few summers. Fresh asphalt can take a few months to “fully” cure and harden, so there are some items for asphalt maintenance in summer that can help it reach that full cure safely:
- Avoid stationary turning, as this screeches the wheels against the surface of the new asphalt.
- Avoid putting heavy or sharp objects directly onto the asphalt, or use a wooden board to spread the weight if you can.
- If you notice your driveway starting to bleed or soften in seriously high heat, you can gently spray it with water from your hose to lower the surface temperature and help stabilise the binder.
A quick asphalt summer maintenance checklist:
If you just want a quick and simple look at how to look after your asphalt this summer, here is the checklist to put on your fridge:
- Sweep any debris off the pavement or driveway to prevent heat and trapped moisture.
- Check for oil spills that can eat away at the bitumen and clean them away quickly.
- Inspect for cracks to stop them from becoming potholes.
- Get a new sealcoat every two to three years.
- Cool your driveway off with water during heatwaves.
Generally speaking, while basic cleaning is a great DIY task, major repairs and sealcoating are best left to the experts. Professional-grade sealants and hot-pour crack fillers offer a level of durability that hardware-store “bucket” products simply cannot match.
Trust Asphalt & Civil for your asphalt maintenance this summer.
We use specialised equipment for new sealcoats and crack repair, so you can be sure your new asphalt pavement or driveway will go the distance. Get in touch with us to get a free quote on your summer maintenance.