Your asphalt pavement is essential to your everyday life, whether it be the driveway into your home or the parking lot outside your business. Routine asphalt maintenance practices can help reinforce your asphalt pavement and ensure it doesn’t succumb to cracks or potholes.
Whether it’s tidying up leaves or investing in repair services, these small things can improve the quality of your pavement without breaking the bank. When your pavement gets a new facelift, you want peace of mind that your investment will last a long time.
Our team at RDC Paving will offer some professional insight into what you can do to improve the lifespan of your pavement and keep it looking brand-new.
Tips For Extending the Life of Your Asphalt Pavement
Your asphalt parking lot sees a ton of wear and tear from cars driving over it every day. However, there are things you can do to better protect your pavement and help prevent the premature failure of your pavement. Some of these practices you can do on your own, while others may need additional help from a professional paving company.
If you’re looking for a place to start when it comes to pavement management, we’re here to help you. Here are 6 basic maintenance tips you can practice to ensure your asphalt pavement will last for years to come:
1. Clean The Area
While this may seem obvious at first, keeping your pavement clean can improve its durability. When leaves and other debris start to build up, they create a layer that traps moisture and dirt. Over time, this can lead to the formation of cracks in your asphalt pavement. Keeping your pavement clean can keep it looking pristine and durable for longer.
For leaves and other loose debris, use a stiff-bristled brush to sweep them up. You can either brush them into your lawn or collect them in paper leaf bags to be disposed of later. You can also use a power washer to carefully clean any dirt or other debris.
Lastly, if your pavement is divided into sections with small gaps, watch out for any weeds. They love to pop out of small cracks and gaps in the asphalt, and they can damage your pavement in the long run. Growing roots can impact the asphalt’s structural integrity and lead to cracks appearing. If you find a weed, be sure to pluck it or spray it with a weed killer.
2. Remove Oil Stains
Sometimes your car or other motor vehicle will leak small quantities of engine oil while parked. Engine oil and asphalt bitumen (the compound that makes up your pavement) don’t mix well. The oil will break down the asphalt over time, leading to the development of cracks and potholes.
Oil and asphalt bitumen are both made of crude oil, meaning they will cause a chemical reaction when they come in contact with one another.
The best thing to do when you see an oil mark on your pavement is to clean it up carefully. You can use dish soap, cat litter, or an oil-removing solvent to absorb the oil and clear it away without further damaging the asphalt.
3. Repair Cracks
Cracks form due to stress. This stress can be caused by corrosion, tree root growth, water damage, or heavy weight over time. When cracks form, filling them quickly can prevent further damage.
If left untreated, open cracks allow water to seep into the soil underneath and cause further damage. One small crack can turn into a spiderweb, which will take more work to properly repair.
A professional paving company can seal cracks with a rubberized crack sealant that will prevent cracks from spreading. Don’t wait around—the sooner you call a professional, the less damage to your asphalt.
4. Repair Potholes
Just like how you’d repair a crack, potholes need to be fixed as soon as possible. Potholes can damage a car if driven over, and they can be tripping hazards for pedestrians walking by. Not only do they pose a safety risk for drivers and pedestrians, but they let water seep in just like cracks do. These holes can compromise your asphalt’s structural integrity and lead to more serious damage over time.
Leave the pothole repairs to the professionals. Companies like RDC Paving have the tools and experience necessary to effectively patch a pothole with high-quality asphalt. They’ll ensure your parking lot is ready to go and built to withstand heavy traffic flow.
5. Apply Sealcoat
Over time, the top layer of asphalt wears down due to the weather and traffic. This uncovers the aggregate rock layer beneath, which increases the risk of damage and cracks. Sealcoating applies a protective layer on your pavement to protect it from oxidation and other wear and tear.
Preventative maintenance, such as sealcoating, can prolong the lifespan of your pavement and help prevent unsightly cracks or potholes.
6. Add Striping and Signage
Asphalt striping is done after the sealcoating process. If you own a large property such as a parking lot or garage, proper markings and signage can keep drivers and pedestrians safe.
Bright, clear striping ensures visitors park properly and pedestrian areas are clear. The sun causes the lines to fade over time, so you’ll need to reapply the markings when they start to fade. For signage, make sure you have the proper signs for your property and they’re up-to-date with the most recent ADA regulations.
Contact RDC Paving in Austin, TX For All Your Asphalt Maintenance Needs
Your parking lot is a crucial tool you use on a near-daily basis to get to where you need to be. Routine pavement maintenance can keep your property looking fresh and staying strong for years to come. Even simple tasks like brushing off leaves can keep your asphalt sturdy and dependable.
For high-quality asphalt repair services, look no further than RDC Paving. Our team proudly serves Austin, Hutto, and Round Rock, TX areas. Whether you need asphalt patching or crack filling, we’re paving the way to a better service. Give us a call at (737) 257-5713 to get a quote or schedule an appointment today!
