There are a number of materials or surfaces on many properties that can benefit greatly from some simple, occasional preventive maintenance, and any asphalt pavement surface on your property is a great example. While no asphalt surface will maintain its pristine, like-new condition forever, there are a number of simple and easy steps you can take to limit wear-and-tear and help the surface work efficiently for decades.
At Asphalt Masters, we’re here to help. Not only do we offer the very best asphalt repair services in Ogden, we also assist clients with many forms of preventive maintenance, such as our asphalt sealcoating services. Why is preventive maintenance so important for asphalt, and what are some of the top areas to consider here, either on your own or with our help? Here’s a rundown.
Why Asphalt Preventive Maintenance Matters
For starters, let’s briefly review what asphalt is and how it works. This will help underscore why preventive maintenance is so important for any asphalt surface on your property, from driveways to parking lots.
Asphalt is a composite material, made up of two primary ingredients: aggregate (crushed stone, gravel, sand, etc.) and asphalt binder. The asphalt binder is a petroleum product, and it essentially acts as glue, holding the aggregate together and binding it to the surface below.
Asphalt pavement is designed to flex slightly as weight is applied to it; this gives it a “give” that helps it resist cracking and breaking under pressure. Over time, though, the asphalt binder can begin to degrade due to sun exposure, moisture, temperature extremes, and more. When this happens, the asphalt surface becomes more brittle and less able to flex as needed. This makes it more susceptible to cracking and breaking, which can quickly lead to significant damage and the need for repairs.
This is where preventive maintenance comes in. By taking steps to protect the asphalt binder and keep it in good condition, you can greatly extend the life of your asphalt surface and delay the need for significant repairs.
Our next several sections will go over some of the top areas to consider here, whether handled on your own or with the help of asphalt professionals like ours.
Regular Sweeping and De-Cluttering
You may not have quite considered just how important it is to keep your asphalt surface clean and free of debris, but it really does matter quite a bit. Debris on the surface can act as tiny abrasives, wearing down the pavement over time. It can also hold moisture against the surface, which can speed up the degradation of the asphalt binder.
In short, then, it’s important to sweep your asphalt surface regularly to remove any debris that has collected. This is particularly important if you have any trees or other plants near your asphalt; falling leaves and other plant matter can quickly add up. The same goes for any dust, dirt, or other particulates that may blow onto your surface.
If you have any vehicles that leak oil or other fluids, it’s also important to clean these up quickly; they can do serious damage to asphalt if left unaddressed. In addition, such vehicles should be moved to another location if at all possible — or they should be repaired so they don’t leak these kinds of fluids onto your asphalt.
Asphalt Sealcoating
As we noted above, one service we’re happy to assist clients with is asphalt sealcoating. This is a process in which we apply a protective coating to the asphalt surface, and it’s one of the best ways to protect your investment over the long haul.
Sealcoating helps to fill any tiny cracks or fissures in the surface, which can help prevent moisture from seeping in and causing further damage. It also blocks out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which can break down the asphalt binder over time. And it helps to protect against oil and other spills, which can cause serious damage if left unaddressed.
Sealcoating should be applied every few years, and more frequently if your asphalt surface is heavily trafficked. We’ll be happy to provide a sealcoating estimate and help you understand how often this service will need to be performed for your particular situation.
Asphalt Crack Filling
Another important service we offer clients is asphalt crack filling. As the name implies, this involves filling in any cracks or fissures that have formed in your asphalt surface.
It’s important to address cracks quickly because they can quickly turn into larger problems. Cracks provide an opening for water and other harmful liquids to seep in and cause damage, and they also allow water to pool on the surface, which can lead to further cracking and deterioration. In addition, large cracks can cause trip-and-fall hazards for people walking on your property.
We use high-quality crack filling materials that will bond well with the surrounding asphalt and provide long-lasting protection. We also take care to properly clean out the crack before filling it, which helps ensure that the filler material bonds correctly.
Repairing Potholes
Finally, potholes are one of the most common problems that can occur with asphalt surfaces. A pothole is a small depression in the surface, and they usually form when water seeps into cracks or fissures and then freezes. The freezing and thawing process causes the asphalt to expand and contract, which weakens the material and eventually leads to a pothole.
Potholes can be a trip-and-fall hazard, and they can also cause damage to vehicles if left unaddressed. Fortunately, they’re fairly easy to repair, and we’re happy to help clients with this as well.
In conclusion, then, it’s important to understand the value of preventive maintenance for asphalt surfaces. By taking some simple steps to care for your investment, you can help it last for many years to come. If you have any questions or would like a free estimate, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Asphalt Masters today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
