Extending the Lifespan of Your Asphalt Driveway Isn't Complicated

Congrats on installing a new asphalt driveway in your home! Your guests won't believe their eyes, and the smooth drive from the main gate on their next visit. A well-maintained asphalt driveway increases the value of your home in a big way, especially if you intend to sell it soon. Installing a new asphalt driveway isn't a cheap project. However, the great test is on how you maintain your driveway. Your asphalt driveway should last for about 12-20 years. However, certain aspects such as extreme weather conditions, ultraviolet light, vehicle and foot traffic and climate shorten the driveway's lifespan. See how you help your asphalt driveway last longer:

Patch Those Holes and Cracks

Don't underestimate the small holes and cracks you see on your asphalt driveway since they hurt its lifespan. Water seeps through these cracks and eventually weakens the structural integrity of your driveway. If these cracks aren't filled in good time, they form larger cracks that eventually become potholes. The weeds and grass that grow in these cracks or holes break down the driveway material. Contact paving professionals to come and patch them before serious problems develop.

Seal Coat It

Most paving contractors recommend seal-coating the driveway after about 2-3 years. It's hard for water to permeate a seal-coated driveway and this means you won't experience structural damage often. However, you shouldn't apply the protection layer before the asphalt is completely cured. Applying a fresh sealant coat yearly isn't recommended since the chemical won't offer the protection it should offer. People who seal coat their asphalt driveways often spend more money on repairs since the driveway peels off quickly.

Don't Use Rock Salt During Winter

Rock salt is a common de-icing agent that most people use on their asphalt driveways. However, they rarely know that rock salt corrodes them, especially when used in winter. The product contains sodium chloride that melts the snow and ice, but it also speeds up the freeze-thaw cycle that leaves your driveway deteriorated. Use calcium chloride instead, since its freeze-thaw cycles are fewer.

Your asphalt driveways can be in good condition for more than 15 years when properly maintained. If your driveway gets completely deteriorated, you will have to replace it, and this is an expensive task. Your asphalt driveway will always be in good shape if you fix issues fast and take preventive maintenance with the seriousness it deserves. Let reliable and competent paving experts handle even the slightest problems your asphalt driveway develops if you don't want to spend more money on costly repairs.

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