Getting an asphalt driveway or parking lot is one of the best decisions you can make. Good quality asphalt can last for up to 30 years. Of course, the kind of soil under the base stone, soil drainage, and the freeze-thaw cycles can greatly affect its life. But with the proper care and maintenance, you can assure that you will get the most out of your investment. Before are three surefire ways to increase the lifespan of your asphalt pavement.
Avoid Water Damage
Water is the worst enemy of your asphalt pavement. It is susceptible to freezing and thawing which can damage the pavement prematurely. So, as much as you can, you have to make sure that water does not go through and under the pavement. Install good drainage from your driveway, too, so water will not have a chance to seep through it. Early on, as asphalt is being paved in your area, make sure that you look into proper drainage beforehand.
Fill and Sealcoat Cracks
Immediately seal any cracks that you find in your pavement, and do so as frequently as necessary. Also periodically sealcoat to keep away those elements that will oxidize and damage the surface. Make sure that you do not end up over-sealing as this will have the opposite the opposite effect and damage the pavement. Only sealcoat when the previous one has already worn off to the point that you can already see portions of the bare pavement showing up, which should happen after a couple of years.
Replace the Asphalt
Even when you religiously follow the two tips above, your asphalt pavement will someday get worn out and will have to be replaced. Some of the tell-tale signs that you need a replacement is when it stops mechanically functioning, like when it gets bumpy, there is too much settling and drainage becomes ineffective. Of course, when the asphalt just plainly looks bad already, even when you have filled and sealcoated it, the only option you might have is replacing it.
If you are planning to fill or sealcoat your asphalt pavement, it might be best that you get a professional to do the job for you. Do you need more tips on how to take care of your asphalt pavement and make it last for as long as possible? Contact a reputable paving company in your area now and get all the information you need on how to properly maintain it.