As summer winds down and fall approaches, it's the ideal time to refresh your asphalt driveway or parking lot.
The drop in temperature and the occasional rain showers can take a toll on asphalt that's been neglected, causing cracks, potholes, and a worn-out look. Don’t worry, you can take care of your asphalt in five simple steps:
Sweep away dirt and debris
Before you start any repairs, it’s important to begin with a clean surface because it helps sealants and crack fillers stick better when you apply them later. Take some time to sweep away leaves, twigs, dirt, and any other debris that has been collected over the summer.
Close the gaps
As fall arrives with its cooler temperatures, it’s a great time to focus on fixing cracks in your asphalt. When water gets into these cracks, it can freeze and expand as temperatures drop, making the cracks worse over time.
First, carefully clean out any debris, dirt, or loose material from the cracks, then choose the right type of crack filler based on how severe the damage is. For minor, shallow cracks, a sand-based crack filler is often sufficient and easy to apply.
However, if you’re dealing with deeper or more significant cracks, you’ll need a more durable asphalt-based filler to ensure a solid repair.
Reapply sealant
After you’ve fixed any cracks, the next step is to apply a new layer of asphalt sealer. This sealer acts like a protective shield, helping to guard your asphalt from things like water, sunlight, and tough weather.
Applying sealer in the fall is especially good because the dry weather helps the sealer work better.
Pay attention to the edges
While cracks and potholes are often the main concerns with asphalt, it’s also important not to forget about the edges of your asphalt, where uncontrolled plant growth can slowly invade the pavement and cause it to break down over time.
To prevent grass and weeds from growing along the edges, regularly trim the grass and weeds around the edges of your driveway or parking lot. Regular maintenance will help extend the life of your asphalt and keep it looking its best.
Continuous maintenance
Your work doesn't end after carrying out the fall maintenance measures. Your next job is to monitor and maintain the area throughout the coming fall months, regularly cleaning up any oil or fuel spills to prevent potential damage.
If you encounter any significant issues, promptly consult a professional asphalt contractor to help mitigate the impact.
Enjoy the benefits of proper asphalt maintenance
Professional asphalt maintenance keeps your asphalt in pristine condition in the fall and beyond.
At Hicks Paving, we ensure that your asphalt driveway or parking lot is ready for the changing weather, so you can enjoy your asphalt pavements for seasons to come. Request an estimate today.