You put a lot of work and financial investment into your property and home, and your driveway pavement is an element which you don't want to let go into disrepair. It is more expensive in the long run to neglect your asphalt pavement and end up having to replace it entirely than to make regular repairs. Here are some options to repair and maintain your home's asphalt-paved surfaces to avoid having to pay for a full replacement.
Protect It From Oxidation
A pavement sealant is one of the best treatments you can apply to any type of asphalt or concrete on your property. Sealant will protect the surface from damaging solvents and weather conditions. Asphalt pavement, because it is a petroleum-based mixture, can dry out and become brittle from the sun, wind, and extreme temperatures. For this reason, the type of sealant you can apply to your asphalt comes in the form of a sealcoating treatment.
A sealcoating application restores the flexibility of your asphalt in addition to its black color. And a sealcoating protects the asphalt's layers from moisture intrusion, which can occur when tiny cracks deform the surface. Moisture intrusion can be quite damaging to your asphalt because it erodes the underlayers and can cause heave damage when it freezes.
Fill Cracks and Potholes
A sealcoating application is recommended every three to five years, depending on the environment your asphalt is exposed to. But if this maintenance to your asphalt has been neglected in the past, it will become necessary for you to handle some more serious repairs to the asphalt's surface.
Crack filling and pothole repairs can be a regular task after your asphalt has succumbed to the elements. But if you keep up on them on a regular basis, you can minimize the damage. For example, inspect your asphalt every six months, in spring and fall, for cracks that have formed. Remove any vegetation growth and dirt or other debris from the cracks. Fill them with a repair material, such as cold patch mixture or liquid asphalt filler. Be sure to follow the instructions to allow the repairs to cure fully before driving your vehicles over them.
Resurface When Needed
Instead of tearing out your entire asphalt pavement, consider having it resurfaced. Depending on your asphalt's condition, your asphalt repair professional may recommend removing the top layer of asphalt through milling, then paving it with a new top layer. The asphalt crew can then recycle and reuse the milled layer of asphalt as new pavement material.