One of the first things that people notice at your home is the driveway, so make a positive impression by keeping it in good condition. This is especially important if your house is up for sale or if you hold a lot of professional meetings there. An asphalt driveway also adds plenty of aesthetic value to your property, as well as a secure surface on which to walk in inclement weather.
To get the most out of your home investment, properly care for and maintain your driveway throughout the year. Discover some handy tips to get you started.
1. Keep the Driveway Clean
With daily wear and tear from people, cars, skateboards, and even heavy boats and yard equipment, your paved driveway is bound to get dirty. On a daily or weekly basis, depending on how much traffic your driveway gets, remove dirt, rocks, and debris with a heavy-duty broom. Not only will this keep the driveway in good condition, it will reduce the amount of debris that goes into your home.
If a vehicle tracks mud onto the asphalt driveway, allow it to fully dry before attempting to remove it. Then, loosen and brush the dried mud away using a very firm-bristled broom. If some hardened mud remains, use a power washer, which you can rent from a home retailer, to force clean the area. Hold the washer hose a few feet from the mud and move the water flow over it in an even, back-and-forth motion.
2. Remove Stains Quickly
Remove gas, oil, or brake fluid from the driveway as soon as possible to prevent or reduce staining. Even dark driveways are subject to unsightly spots and staining. If a lot of fluid is present, first soak it up with kitty litter or another type of commercial absorbent. After the liquid is fully absorbed, sweep the product up.
Next, remove the remaining stain with a cleaning product designed for use on your asphalt driveway. Choose a non-toxic and biodegradable cleaner, as it will enter the groundwater supply during the cleaning process.
Leave the product on the stain per the manufacturer’s instructions, allowing it to fully dissolve the stain. Finally, rinse the driveway clean with a hose, and repeat the process if necessary for stubborn spots.
3. Make Any Necessary Repairs
Although asphalt driveways are hardy and durable, they can be subject to damage over time. Natural seasonal elements, such as heavy rains and hail, or bulky items blown over in the wind can crack the surface.
Rather than tackle the fix yourself, call in a professional to fill in the cracks or replace broken sections for you. In warm climates or during the summer months, the contractors may pour weed killer into the cracked areas to kill existing plants and prevent future growth. Next, they will pour asphalt into the cracks to create a smooth, like-new surface. The product is blended in expertly for a seamless look.
If you have a lot of damage, such as from a heavy equipment drop or a tree limb, the paving company may remove and replace an entire section of pavement so that it looks brand new. The asphalt professionals may also treat the asphalt with sealant to reduce feature damage. If they find that your driveway does not drain properly, they can grade it to encourage proper water drainage.
If you would like to install a new asphalt driveway or update an existing one, visit JR Paving & Construction Co., Inc., today. We look forward to speaking with you and answering all your questions and concerns about your asphalt driveway needs.
