As a Southern Arizona native, you realize how harsh the sun is here! Heat & weather changes can be brutal on your driveway and walkways! Asphalt’s durability & affordability make it a fair paving choice. But you still need proper asphalt maintenance to prolong its lifespan. If you want your pavement to last longer and avoid costly repairs in the future, you should consider these simple asphalt maintenance tips. These 6 tips will make your asphalt driveway last longer.

Inspect Your Driveway for Asphalt Maintenance Needs

Experts believe that a rubberized asphalt surface can last 10 years… maybe a little longer than that! If you wish to keep your asphalt in good condition, you should take a few minutes every month to walk around the driveway and look for cracks/depressions. Any area that may hold water! Early cracks often look very small, but they grow quickly in Arizona’s unpredictable and brutal temperature swings. Fixing them early can save you a lot of trouble in the future.

 

Also, only hire reliable experts to get this job done right. You should keep an eye out for asphalt scams that are prevalent in the US. Make sure your contractors are a licensed company.

Fill Cracks Before They Spread

If you are ignoring asphalt crack repair, you should keep in mind that these cracks are often the earliest signs that your asphalt needs attention. Water from rain or sprinklers can soak into open cracks, weakening the base under the surface. That’s how potholes come into being! Even just a simple crack-filling job can seal these nasty gaps and keep water out, protecting the integrity of your driveway. So, you should schedule professional crack filling every few years!

Reseal Your Driveway on a Schedule

Sealcoating is also one of the most effective ways to protect your driveway from the Arizona sun and daily use. A fresh sealcoat will block UV rays, repel water, and also make the surface easier to clean. We recommend resealing your Southern Arizona driveway every 3 to 5 years. Though it mainly depends on how much traffic and exposure your surface gets. For instance, if you think that your crushed asphalt driveway looks gray or faded, give it a fresh coat.

Keep the Surface Clean and Clear

You can make your asphalt overlay last longer via regular cleaning. Your property also looks neat and clean. We suggest washing your driveway a few times a year with a hose/pressure washer. When you’re cleaning your driveway, you should pay attention to oil spots from cars as well; these spots can break down the sealer and weaken the surface if left in place.

 

If you notice stains, use a mild cleaner for asphalt and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface. Removing trash, standing water, and heavy objects also reduces the stress on the pavement and lowers the risk of sinking or cracking, thereby prolonging the asphalt’s lifespan.

Protect the Edges of Your Driveway

Another major asphalt maintenance tip is to keep in mind that the edges of an asphalt driveway are typically vulnerable to Arizona’s harsh weather conditions. That’s because the edges often lack the necessary support from surrounding soil. If you park heavy vehicles too close to the edge or turn sharply, the edge can break down over time. So, don’t park your car right on the edge. Keep your heavy equipment (trailers or RVs) off the outer edge as well.

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Plan for Repairs Before Big Problems Appear

Even well-maintained asphalt can develop small problems over time. So, one of the major dos and don’ts of asphalt repair is to never ignore minor cracks. You need to address all shallow depressions and dull, worn-looking surfaces. In fact, we suggest that you plan for timely repairs after noticing these flaws in your asphalt. Thanks to asphalt maintenance via small patch jobs and minor leveling, you can prevent the need for full repaving later on!

If you are not sure whether your driveway just needs a refresh or a more serious repair, a local paving company like Sunrise Asphalt can inspect the surface and recommend the right solution for your home. So, contact us right away and renew your driveway…