Asphalt driveways, parking lots and roads, are susceptible to wear. tear, cracking. Everyday traffic and weather can take a toll on them. If left unchecked, severe damage such as asphalt cracking can make the pavement uninviting or dangerous.
When asphalt cracking is ignored, it can and will compound at a rapid pace. When this happens, it will become a must and sometimes expensive repair. A much better alternative is to work towards prevention.
This article will outline nine ways in which you can prevent asphalt cracks as well as other problems related to asphalt damage.
Sealcoating
The best way to avoid any asphalt problem is to opt for driveway or parking lot sealcoating. It will help you avoid several issues like:
- Cracks
- Percolation of water
- Potholes
An experienced local asphalt contractor near you can effectively sealcoat your driveway or parking lot. This will ensure that water is kept from penetrating the top layer of the asphalt or blacktop, making the pavement more durable and aesthetically pleasing. It is crucial that the asphalt is properly prepared, and that the sealcoat is applied correctly, therefore; we recommend seeking the help of an experienced local asphalt or blacktop sealcoating company in your area.
Regular Inspection
Routine asphalt inspection can help you avoid a lot of problems. It is a great idea to contact a local paving professional and discuss the condition of your driveway or parking lot. The paving company should be able to point out any issues and establish an effective preventative maintenance program. Some of the issues that the paving contractor may be looking for are:
- Accumulation of vehicular fluids
- Developing potholes
- Uneven terrain
- Any cracking
- And much more
As a property owner, you will appreciate the know-how and expertise of your paving contractor. By examining the current condition of your asphalt pavement, they can detect deficiencies and put in place an effective maintenance plan that keeps your pavement looking great longer and keep the cost of repairs low.
Keep Away Vegetation
Vegetation can slowly cause severe damage to paved areas. There are a few tips to follow to avoid vegetation damage.
- Hire an experienced landscaping company to ensure that the roots do not damage the asphalt pavement.
- Keep large trees at least 20 feet or more away from the asphalt pavement.
- If there is any vegetation nearby, it is a good idea to get it removed. It will ensure that the roots of that vegetation do not degrade the quality of the asphalt pavement.
Once you take these three steps, it is easy to prevent cracking or any other asphalt damage due to vegetation in your premises.
Vary the Parking Pattern
Parking in the same place of your driveway or parking lot can deform the pavement. Parking in the same spot will cause the particular area to be exposed to higher temperatures as well as vehicular fluids. It can develop depressions due to the weight of your vehicle as well. That is why; you need to take a few preventative steps to avoid this problem.
It is a good idea to vary your parking and pavement use. This simple step will ensure that the same area is not always exposed to heat or vehicular fluids. As a result, the wear and tear will also be on the lower side.
Proper Pitch
Stagnated water is one of the leading causes of asphalt damage. However, with the weather becoming more and more unpredictable, how can you protect your pavement against this problem?
The answer is by taking measures to divert water away from the pavement. Ensure that when a new asphalt driveway or parking lot is installed, that proper pitch is put in place to help water drain away from the pavement. Also, make use of a catch basin. This is a means to collect water and divert away from the property. The cost of installing a catch basin is low as compared to replacing or repairing the asphalt pavement at a later stage.
Avoid Contact With Sharp Objects
As property owners, sometimes, we work on yard projects, our automobiles, or construction, neglecting to pick up and put away sharp objects such as screwdrivers, jacks, or other machinery on the asphalt pavement, can degrade the quality of your pavement. It can lead to problems like:
- Uneven terrain
- Small holes
- Scratches
- Punctures
Keep Paved Area Clean
Any debris accumulated on the asphalt pavement for a long time can degrade the asphalt. It can block the drainage system, which can lead to the accumulation of water.
Annual Asphalt Maintenance Program
As mentioned above, establish an asphalt maintenance program. Almost all local asphalt contractors offer annual asphalt maintenance programs.
The charges for these programs are nominal and paid on an annual basis. They conduct preventative maintenance and minimal repair work to ensure that the problems do not compound. This maintenance program can increase the life of your asphalt pavement,
Maintain Proper Drainage System
Any problem with the drainage system can lead to sinkholes, cracks, or uneven terrain in the asphalt pavement. There are a few things that can prevent this issue. These include:
- Have drainage systems checked by professionals from time to time.
- Increase the capacity of the drainage system if required.
- Check that there is no blockage in the drainage system.
- Ensure that the drainage system works in any weather.
By keeping in mind and putting into effect some of these concerns, you can be sure that asphalt damage due to flooding or stagnated water will not occur on your property.
Thus, if you’re looking to avoid asphalt pavement cracking and other such problems, we have highlighted the best ways to take the nine preventative steps. These steps will ensure that you can increase the life span of your asphalt pavement and keep it in pristine condition. You will not have to worry about sinkholes, cracks, or any other such problems.
If you are looking for a local asphalt or blacktop company to help you with your asphalt driveway or parking lot, take a look at our directory and search for an experienced contractor in your area.
