Asphalt driveways are well-loved around Auckland for a good reason. These beauties are long-lasting and durable, with a strong look that suits properties of all kinds. But much like anything, they require a little bit of tender loving care every now and then to look their best.
As any dedicated homeowner will tell you, there’s an art to asphalt driveway maintenance. With the right balance of ongoing maintenance, you can have your driveway last for fifteen years or more. To help you get there, we’re breaking down the fundamentals of asphalt driveway maintenance below. Let’s get into it!
How Does Your Driveway Degrade Over Time?
While asphalt driveways are built tough, they aren’t invincible. Over time, exposure to the elements, vehicle traffic, and general wear and tear can start to take their toll. The sun’s UV rays can cause oxidation, leading to cracks and surface weakening.
Water is another big enemy, though it might not seem like it, since the occasional solid rainstorm can really help with cleaning your driveway off. The thing is, if it seeps into cracks and freezes, it expands, making those cracks even worse. Then there’s the weight of vehicles, which can cause depressions, especially if the base wasn’t compacted properly during installation.
Oil leaks, heavy loads, and even tree roots pushing up from underneath can all contribute to the gradual breakdown of your driveway. But don’t worry, there’s a salve for all that. Regular maintenance can keep these issues in check before they become major headaches.
But what does regular asphalt driveway maintenance even look like? Well, we have a few suggestions.
Ways to Maintain Your Asphalt Driveway
Keep Things Clean
A little bit of regular cleaning goes a long way. Sweep your driveway often to clear away leaves, dirt, and other debris that can trap moisture and contribute to breakdown over time.
If you notice oil or grease stains, don’t ignore them (though it is pretty tempting). These stains can seep into the asphalt and weaken it over time. Use an asphalt-friendly cleaner or a mix of dish soap and warm water to scrub stains away before they become a problem
Repair Cracks Quickly
Even the smallest cracks can spell trouble for your driveway, and not just because they’re an eyesore. When it comes to asphalt driveway maintenance, cracks are an open invitation. They let water in, allowing it to wreak its havoc. The longer they’re left unattended, the more the cracks will spread and deepen, so it’s important to act fast.
For small cracks, feel free to use an asphalt crack filler to seal things up if you’re after a DIY solution. That said, if you’re after a sleeker job or you’re seeing many large cracks, then it’s important to call in the professionals for a more thorough repair.
Regularly Re-Seal
Sealing your driveway is one of the best things you can do to extend its life. A high-quality sealcoat is the ultimate protective barrier for your driveway, protecting the asphalt against moisture, UV rays, and chemicals (like oil spills). Ideally, you’ll need to have your driveway resealed every two to three years, which is the standard for residential driveway resealing.
Not only does this keep your driveway looking fresh and dark, but it also adds an extra layer of defence against the elements. Commercial asphalt driveway maintenance is a beast all its own. The heavier load and foot traffic will likely require more frequent resealing, so make sure to consult your contractor.
Set Up a Regular Maintenance Schedule
Finally, there’s a lot to be said for having a regular maintenance schedule for your driveway. It’s easy to let the important things slip by when they don’t feel urgent, but a schedule can help you stay on top of cleaning, inspections, and re-sealing.
Make it a habit to check for cracks and wear every time you cast your eyes over your driveway, but pay special attention after heavy rain or extreme heat. Big swings in temperature can cause the asphalt to expand and contract, widening small cracks into large ones fairly quickly. Catching small issues like this will save you plenty of time, money, and stress in the long run.
As you can see, a great asphalt driveway maintenance routine is worth double the effort or time put into honouring it. Dealing with repairs quickly, setting up a regular schedule, and keeping your driveway clean are all surefire ways to keep that driveway dark and shining for a decade or more.
Along the way, make sure to partner with a top-notch maintenance company that can see to your driveway quickly. They can help with all of this and more.
Make asphalt driveway maintenance easy with the team from Asphalt & Civil.
At Asphalt & Civil, we’re proud to be the trusted name for all things concrete and asphalt. Whether you’re after regular driveway maintenance or you’re laying a brand-new parking lot, our qualified team can knock it out for you on time and on budget.
Get in touch now to book your job.