You might choose asphalt as your surface material of choice for any number of reasons, from its durability and plasticity, to the fact that it aids in noise prevention. Even though asphalt is extremely resilient, holding up to traffic and extreme weather conditions with aplomb, it will eventually begin to deteriorate over time due to aging and wear and tear.
The good news is that you can extend the usable life of your asphalt roadway, parking lot, or driveway in several ways. Here are just a few different strategies to help you get the most from your asphalt and prevent deterioration.
Proper Installation
Installing an asphalt surface is not as easy as dumping asphalt on dirt and hoping it all works out. The base layer must be properly compacted, the asphalt must be properly mixed, applied, and smoothed, and there are a number of other factors that could affect installation. This is why it’s always best to hire trained and experienced professionals to install your asphalt. When the job is done right from the get-go, you’re going to avoid a lot of early and unnecessary deterioration.
Weather Considerations
Asphalt holds up well under a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and inclement weather. However, it will deteriorate over time if you don’t take steps to combat weather concerns. This could begin with laying down porous asphalt, especially if rain and flooding are common issues in your region.
You also want to make sure you pay attention to the state of your asphalt paving. If you notice minor chips and cracks before seasonal weather like rain or snow sets in, don’t wave it off until conditions dry out. This could result in much more serious damage as the elements find a foothold to attack your asphalt. Instead, undertake repairs immediately and consider whether it’s time for a seal coating or other preventive maintenance.
Scheduled Maintenance
It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for something to go wrong before you take action, but this reactionary approach to your asphalt is likely to result in unexpected hassle and expense. Before you end up with a pothole that could swallow a Lincoln whole, you might want to consider the benefits of scheduled maintenance.
With regular inspection, maintenance, and repairs, you should be able to stave off deterioration for years, ensuring that your asphalt serves you well. While you might pay a little for this ongoing service, you’re going to save a lot over major repairs or early replacement.