How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Asphalt Surfaces

Many areas of a given property can be viewed as an investment as much as anything, and a great example here would be any asphalt or concrete surfaces you have present. These surfaces are meant to last for years or even decades, and they can absolutely do so — as long as you’re taking the proper steps to maximize their lifespan and keep them protected.

At Asphalt Masters, we’re here to offer a variety of services in this realm, including things like asphalt seal coating and several others to keep your surfaces in great shape. What are some simple ways to keep asphalt surface lifespan as high as possible without any major effort or hassle? Here are several themes to closely consider.

Asphalt Sealing

We already mentioned it above, and it deserves its own section — asphalt sealing is one of the most important things you can do to protect your investment. This process involves putting a coating on the surface that will help to fill in any cracks or other vulnerabilities, as well as provide a layer of protection against water damage, among other issues.

Our sealcoating process, for instance, adds a strong defensive layer to your asphalt that will ward off all sorts of dangers while also helping it to last longer in general. This is a fairly straightforward process and one that’s well worth the investment, so it’s something to strongly consider if you want to get the most out of your asphalt surfaces.

Sealcoating not only slows down oxidation from the sun’s UV rays, but also provides a water-resistant barrier to help prevent any sort of moisture damage that could degrade the material.

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important nonetheless — keeping your asphalt surfaces clean and well-maintained is absolutely crucial if you want them to last as long as possible. That means things like regularly sweeping away debris, leaves, and other materials that could clog up the surface and reduce its lifespan.

It might also mean pressure washing from time to time to remove any built-up grime or other materials. And of course, if you do notice any cracks or other problems, it’s important to address them as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.

Crack Remediation

Speaking of cracks, they’re also an important enough topic to deserve their own section here. Cracks forming in asphalt can come from several different sources, but they’re all bad news and need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Smaller cracks can sometimes be filled in with a sealant, which as we mentioned before is always a good idea for asphalt surfaces. But if the cracks are larger, you might need to patch them or even replace the affected section entirely.

It’s always best to consult with a professional about cracks, as they can give you a better sense of the severity and what needs to be done to address them. But in general, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage.

Pothole Repair

Potholes are similar to cracks in that they need to be addressed as soon as possible, but they’re usually a bit more serious and require more significant repairs. Smaller potholes can sometimes be filled in with asphalt patching materials, but larger ones might need to be entirely excavated and replaced.

Again, it’s always best to consult with a professional about pothole repair, as they’ll be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. But in general, it’s important to take care of potholes quickly to prevent further damage to your asphalt surfaces.

Quality Drainage

Another theme that’s vital for asphalt surface longevity is quality drainage. If water isn’t able to drain properly away from your surfaces, it can cause all sorts of problems — cracks, potholes, and other damage.

That’s why it’s important to make sure that you have proper drainage in place around your asphalt surfaces. This might mean things like installing gutters and downspouts to redirect water away from the area, as well as making sure that your grading is adequate.

You might also need to add drains in some cases to help with drainage, and these can sometimes be combined with gutters for an even more effective system. In any case, proper drainage is absolutely essential for protecting your asphalt surfaces.

Watch the Weight

While there’s nothing wrong with heavy vehicles or other items occasionally being placed or parked on asphalt surfaces, it’s important not to let this happen too often. The weight of these things can cause cracks and other damage, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.

If you do need to place heavy items on your asphalt surfaces, try to distribute the weight as evenly as possible to minimize the risk of damage. For instance, if you’re having a delivery of large items, have them placed in several different locations rather than all in one spot.

This is just one more example of how paying attention to small details can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your asphalt surfaces.

As you can see, there are a lot of different things to keep in mind when it comes to protecting your asphalt surfaces. But if you take the proper steps, you can maximize their lifespan and enjoy them for years to come. Just remember the tips we’ve covered here, and you’ll be on your way to keeping your asphalt in great shape.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our asphalt repair or other contractor services, speak to the team at Asphalt Masters today.