Asphalt Maintenance: Tips for Longevity and Safety
We love South Dakota, but let’s face it, our weather is extreme. Asphalt is a durable and cost-effective material, but like all surfaces exposed to the elements and regular wear and tear, asphalt requires routine maintenance to ensure it stays in good condition, extends its lifespan, and provides a safe surface for vehicles and pedestrians. In this blog post, we’ll break down the importance of asphalt maintenance, common issues that affect asphalt, and some practical tips to keep your asphalt surfaces in tip top shape.
Why Maintenance Matters
Asphalt is subjected to a variety of stressors, including heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and constant exposure to UV rays. Over time, these factors can cause the surface to degrade, resulting in cracks, potholes, and an overall rough appearance. If neglected, these problems can worsen quickly, leading to more expensive repairs or even the need for complete resurfacing.
Routine asphalt maintenance is relatively inexpensive and can help prevent these issues, extend the life of your surface, and enhance the curb appeal of your property. Moreover, regular maintenance ensures the safety of everyone who uses the surface, preventing accidents caused by large cracks or potholes.
Common Asphalt Problems
Before diving into maintenance tips, it’s important to understand the most common problems that affect asphalt surfaces:
Cracking: As asphalt ages, it can develop cracks due to temperature fluctuations, moisture infiltration, and the constant pressure from vehicles. Cracks allow water to seep into the base layers, leading to further deterioration.
Potholes: When water gets into cracks and freezes, it can cause the asphalt to expand and contract, eventually leading to the formation of potholes. Potholes are not only a major eyesore but also a serious safety hazard.
Raveling: This occurs when the surface begins to lose its aggregates (sand, gravel, and stone), causing the asphalt to break apart. This often happens due to poor installation or lack of sealcoating.
Asphalt Maintenance Tips
Here are some essential maintenance practices that will help keep your asphalt surfaces in optimal condition:
1. Sealcoating
One of the most effective ways to protect your asphalt is to apply a sealant to the surface. This protective layer helps prevent water, oil, and UV rays from penetrating the surface. Sealcoating also gives the asphalt a fresh, clean appearance. Ideally, you should sealcoat every 5-7 years, depending on the climate and level of traffic. Sealer does fill small cracks on the surface but is not intended to be a substitute for crack filling.
Crack filling is a preventative measure done every 2-3 years to stop water from infiltrating the asphalt and causing further damage. If you notice small cracks in your asphalt, they should be sealed promptly to prevent them from expanding into larger problems. Crack filling involves cleaning the cracks, removing weeds, and then applying a rubberized sealant to fill and seal the gaps.
3. Regular Cleaning
Debris like leaves, dirt, and trash can cause damage to asphalt over time, so it’s essential to keep the surface clean. Built up material in gutters can prevent proper drainage and degrade asphalt over time. Loose sand and gravel can also act as an abrasive, causing raveling to the top surface.
Potholes should be repaired as soon as they appear. If left untreated, they can grow larger and more dangerous. Patching involves removing the existing asphalt, repairing the base material if needed, cleaning out the hole, applying a coat of tack oil, filling it with asphalt, and compacting the area.
If your asphalt surface has become too damaged or worn out to repair with sealcoating, patching, or crack filling an overlay might be necessary. Overlays involves laying a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface typically at a thickness of 1.5”- 2”. It’s a more cost-effective option than full replacement and can give your surface a fresh look and extended life. The benefit of added thickness also adds to the strength of your pavement. If the existing surface is too high, it can often be milled down to accommodate another layer.
6. Proper Drainage
One of the leading causes of asphalt damage is poor drainage. If water isn't able to flow off the surface properly, it can collect and seep into the asphalt, causing cracks and erosion. Ensure that your asphalt surface has proper drainage by keeping gutters and drains clear and maintaining the slope of the area to direct water away from the surface. Some slope issues can be corrected with an asphalt miller and in some cases removing and repaving.
7. Restriping
Parking lot striping plays an important role in getting customers in the door of your business. ADA compliance, safety, and just generally knowing where to park are important when providing access to your customers. Faded lines can cause confusion, frustration, and an unsafe environment. Bright and clear striping ensures that people visiting your business have a pleasant and safe experience.
When to Call a Professional
While many asphalt maintenance tasks can be done yourself, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional. For example, large potholes, severe cracks, or large areas that need sealing or resurfacing requires specialized equipment and expertise. If you're unsure how to assess the condition of your asphalt or what kind of repair is needed, we can provide a thorough inspection and recommend the best course of action for you based on knowledge gained from 40+ years of experience in the industry.
Conclusion
Regular asphalt maintenance is essential for preserving the integrity and appearance of your surface. By taking proactive steps like sealcoating, crack filling, and cleaning, you can keep your asphalt looking good and performing well for many years. Not only does maintenance save you money in the long run, but it also ensures safety and improves the curb appeal of your property. Investing time and effort into asphalt upkeep today can pay off with fewer repairs and a longer-lasting surface down the road. Ballard Asphalt is a full-service paving company and is here to keep your asphalt in tip top shape at a price that works for your budget. Get a quote today!
