Installing a New Asphalt Driveway? 2 Tips to Keep It Maintained
If you are having a new asphalt driveway installed for your home, you need to make sure you take proper care of it. This will help the driveway last much longer for you to help save you money and time. One way to do this is to maintain it properly. Keep reading for two maintenance tips so you won't have to worry about driveway damage.
Seal Coat
One of the best things you can do to maintain your asphalt driveway is to put a seal coat on it. Seal coating is like putting a layer of protection over the driveway. This protects the asphalt from spills from cars, such as engine oil or transmission fluid, as well as moisture from a lot of rain or snow. Seal coating can help prevent the driveway from getting cracks or other damage.
You should purchase the asphalt seal coat at a home improvement store for best results, and first, measure the length and width of your driveway to know how much you need. Consider purchasing double what you will need so you can put at least two layers of seal coat on the asphalt. It will come with instructions on how to apply it. It is generally brushed onto the surface by hand or using a broom. Start at the top of the driveway and move your way to the end. If you do not want to do this or have a large driveway, hire an asphalt seal coat service to do the job for you.
Keep Cracks Repaired
If you see cracks form on the asphalt, take care of them quickly. This will prevent the cracks from spreading across the asphalt causing holes to appear. Fortunately, it is easy to repair cracks if they are still small. There is a crack filler that is made specifically for asphalt that you can purchase from a home improvement store.
Before you repair the cracks, clean all debris out of them first. This will help the crack filler to adhere to the surface. Use a small brush to do this to make it easier. Once this is done, squeeze or rub the filler inside the crack until it is filled in. Use a trowel to wipe over the filler to smooth it out. Let the crack filler completely dry before you use your driveway. The product that you purchase should state how long this takes. Once repaired, the crack filler should blend in with the asphalt so it will not be noticed by anyone.
Besides these two things, keep the asphalt driveway clean and protect the edges. Reach out to a service such as Azzarelli Paving & Site Development for more information.