So, you’ve got yourself a new asphalt pavement, Congratulations! Asphalt surfaces are an excellent addition to your property; their visual appeal and long, productive lifespan ensure that you don’t regret your decision. However, like the rest of your property, an asphalt pavement requires time to settle and also needs regular maintenance.
There is a simple rule for asphalt maintenance: the better you maintain the pavement, the longer it will last. Regular maintenance ensures that the pavement remains in optimal condition and doesn’t require frequent repairs or substantial repair costs.
Asphalt surface maintenance begins right after you install it. Prime Asphalt in Waco, TX, offers expert asphalt paving and repair as well as maintenance services.
This blog post lists some essential tips that will help extend the lifespan of your newly installed asphalt surface.
First Two Weeks Protection
The asphalt surface is most vulnerable during the first fourteen days of installation. As a responsible property owner, you should avoid driving on the newly installed surface for at least 3-5 days. Also, you should keep the foot and vehicle traffic off your recently paved surface for the first two weeks. However, if you have limited parking options, you can park your vehicle after a week on the dried part of the pavement.
Driving on Asphalt
Since the liquid asphalt usually takes 6-12 months to cure, the pavement must remain pliable and soft till then. Although you can walk and drive over it after some time, you must be wary of parking your vehicle for an extended duration on the surface. Harsh weather conditions also impact the asphalt adversely as the blacktop softens and hardens with the changes in ambient temperature.
Avoid Burdening the Asphalt
The excessive weight of large, heavy vehicles weakens your asphalt surface. If you are storing boats or campers of some kind, we advise placing a plywood piece under them.
Barbecues, lawn chairs, and motorcycles also exert weight on a concentrated area, creating depressions and holes in the region, especially during hot weather.
Clean Gasoline Drops
Fluid spills and drops of oil on the pavement dilute the liquid asphalt. Not cleaning up the chemical spills promptly from the surface can lead to permanent damage, which reduces the curb appeal.
All in all, asphalt maintenance is an ongoing process that requires commitment and dedication on your part. Sometimes cracks and asphalt deterioration are inevitable, and there’s not much that you can do. The adverse weather conditions and the environmental factors are a few other things that you cannot control; however, you should do your best to preserve the pavement for as long as possible.
If things worsen and require professional attention, you can always count on Prime Asphalt in Waco, TX. Our skilled professionals provide services for all asphalt paving problems, repairs, and maintenance.
