Asphalt is the ultimate material for driveways, parking lots, and roads. It's economical, low-maintenance, waterproof, and sturdy. Even though asphalt holds up better than other materials, such as concrete, it isn't perfect. Just like other materials used in pavement construction, asphalt can become cracked, dented, or otherwise damaged due to exposure to the elements or as a result of wear and tear over time. Not all damage is avoidable, but you can prevent a fair deal of it by taking the right precautionary measures. Here are some simple and effective ways to prevent asphalt from cracking.
One way to keep cracks at bay is to apply a fresh coat of sealer to your asphalt every two to three years. Sealcoating helps protect asphalt from oxidation, oil and chemical spills, water, and even UV rays. The two main sources of asphalt cracking are the sun and water penetration. If you can prevent these two things, you can dramatically reduce the amount of damage your asphalt sustains annually.
It might not seem like a big deal to have a small amount of detritus, such as leaves and dirt, scattered on top of the asphalt, but these seemingly harmless contaminants can actually degrade the material. Keeping the pavement clean is another effective way to prevent asphalt from cracking. Luckily, the process of cleaning asphalt is much easier than it sounds. You can spray the pavement down with a hose or use a broom to sweep away debris. If there are spills and stains on the pavement, however, you’ll need to use a slightly more intensive cleaning method. To remove spills and stains, soak up the excess liquid with kitty litter, sweep it up, and then apply a cleaner and scrub at the area with a stiff-bristled brush.
This might be a bit more difficult to accomplish if the asphalt in question is part of a parking lot or road, but you can reduce damage to asphalt driveways by changing the location of the cars and trucks on parked on it. Asphalt can weaken and crack when consistently put under too much stress. You can reduce the amount of prolonged stress on certain parts of it by simply parking in a different spot from time to time.
NAC Supply is your home for asphalt maintenance supplies, including high-quality seal-coating equipment such as sealer and spray tips. Come and shop with us today!
Comments will be approved before showing up.
