Things That Can Damage Your Asphalt Driveway

Maintaining your property's asphalt driveway can be a daunting task. Not only does it require routine care, but you also have to be aware of the factors that can cause damage to your pavement. Even if your driveway is well-built and skilled asphalt paving services are used to create it, there are still a variety of things that can damage it. In this blog post, we'll go through some of the most common culprits of asphalt driveway damage, and what you can do to protect your investment.

Water Damage

Water damage is a common issue with asphalt driveways. When it rains, water seeps into the pores of the asphalt pavement creating small holes or gaps. As the water seeps into the holes and gaps, it weakens the foundation, causing cracks and potholes to form. To avoid water damage, make sure that the asphalt is sealed regularly, ensuring that the water doesn't penetrate the pavement. Inspect your driveway after a downpour and ensure that there are no holes or gaps. Choose asphalt paving services that use high-quality materials, and ensure that your driveway has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling on the surface.

Sunlight and Heat

Asphalt is made of aggregate and a binder, which makes it highly susceptible to sunlight and heat damage. Over time, the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause the binder to break down, leading to cracks, potholes, and other types of damage. The heat can also cause the asphalt to expand and contract, which contributes to surface cracking. To prevent sunlight and heat damage, make sure that your driveway is sealed every two to three years. Additionally, consider applying a protectant layer with solar reflective properties to help reflect sunlight, which can help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the asphalt.

Heavy Vehicles

Heavy vehicles like delivery trucks, motorhomes, and construction equipment, can create extensive damage to your asphalt driveway. The weight of these vehicles supported by the small surface area causes the pavement to crack and forms potholes. If you expect heavy vehicles on your property, choose asphalt paving services that can handle the extra weight. Additionally, take cautionary measures like reducing the weight of your vehicle through proper distribution of the load.

Chemical Spillages

Chemical spillages including oil, grease, and gasoline spills, can cause damage to the surface of the asphalt driveway. These substances penetrate the asphalt binder and weaken it over time, leading to cracks and other damage. To prevent chemical spillages, avoid parking cars with leaking fluids on the driveway. If spills do occur, clean them up immediately. Additionally, consider a sealant that resists chemical penetration to add an extra level of protection to your driveway.

Lack of Maintenance

Regular maintenance is critical to keeping your asphalt driveway in good condition. Failing to perform proper maintenance practices like sealing, filling cracks, or patching potholes can create larger problems down the line. To avoid this, incorporate regular maintenance routine like sweeping debris, filling minor cracks, and patching potholes. Hire asphalt paving services regularly for inspection and professional maintenance.

Conclusion

Protecting your asphalt driveway investment from damage takes a proactive approach. Be sure to work with experienced asphalt paving services to ensure proper installation. Use high-quality materials and engage in routine maintenance practices to prolong the lifespan of your driveway. By taking the proper measures, you can minimize damage and extend the life of your driveway for years to come.  Contact Custom Construction Paving today to get a free quote.