Asphalt is known for its incredible strength and durability against stress caused by constant, heavy traffic. When combined with proper maintenance, it can last for several years without needing serious asphalt repair.

A crack-free driveway with a smooth seal coat and crisp marking can increase the curb appeal, hence the value, of any property. Nevertheless, keeping it looking attractive despite the constant wear and tear demands consistent asphalt maintenance.

What is asphalt maintenance?

The scientific approach to proper asphalt maintenance consists of four sequential steps:

Step 1: Preparation

Successful asphalt repair begins with good preparation. Cracks need to be clean and free from any debris. It should have no loose asphalt, dirt, water, or vegetation. As an added precaution, a weed killer can be used to keep weeds from growing under freshly filled cracks and patched potholes. When this step is skipped or done incorrectly, the whole process is just a waste of time and money.

Step 2: Repair Cracks and Potholes

While asphalt is highly durable, however, the presence of cracks can slowly compromise its integrity. Cracks often begin as small crevices that can hold water. When water freezes, it expands and forces them to open some more. As the temperature drops and ice thaws, more water gets deposited into the crack. The water deposit again expands as it freezes, forcing them to expand along with it. Then the thaw cycle repeats. This constant freeze-thaw action eventually causes the cracks to become large enough to interconnect and form much larger cracks or potholes.

Filling cracks and patching potholes are usually the first lines of defense against more damages involving asphalt driveways and parking lots. When done correctly, this should be able to make asphalt last for several more years. Nevertheless, proper sealing and patching require skills and equipment not readily available to most DIY enthusiasts. Hence, it is better if professionals do these types of jobs.

Step 3. Sealcoating

Propper driveway repair and maintenance do not stop at just correcting problems or damages that are already existing. It also involves proofing against future issues. Hence, the third step is equally important. Adding a layer of protection by sealcoating the asphalt pavement will help prevent future damages.

A good seal coat should last for about two years or more. If the seal coat is diligently applied, cracks and potholes will likely not get the chance to develop, even with consistent exposure to heavy traffic.

Step 4. Line Striping

Striping completes the asphalt maintenance cycle. It involves re-painting pavement markings that may have worn out or were covered while filling the cracks, patching the potholes, or adding the sealcoating. Clear and crisp markings help direct traffic. The line striping also helps keep pedestrians and drivers safe.

Our Asphalt Repair Services:

• Asphalt Paving Maintenance
• Pothole Repair
• Parking Lot Cleaning
• Handicap Signs
• Residential Driveway Repairs
• Street Repair
• Airport Runway Maintenance

How often should asphalt be repaired?

With proper maintenance, the typical service life of asphalt can range from 10 to 12 years. Depending on how much traffic the asphalt pavement gets, it is generally maintained every 2-5 years. The maintenance works can be as simple as re-applying a seal coat, painting over markings that have faded, filling out cracks or patching potholes.