If you have an asphalt driveway, you know how great it can be. It is a strong, smooth, and good-looking surface for your home or business. But in places like New York City and Monsey, the weather can be tough on asphalt. We have very hot summers and very cold winters with a lot of snow and ice. This change in weather can hurt your driveway over time. The good news is that with a little bit of care, you can make your asphalt driveway last for a very long time. This guide will help you know what to do to protect your driveway and keep it looking great.
Why Your Driveway Needs Care
Think of your asphalt driveway like a big investment. You paid good money to have it put in. You would not buy a nice car and never wash it. The same is true for your driveway. The sun, rain, and snow can all cause damage. The sun makes the asphalt weak and dry. The rain and snow can get into small cracks. When that water freezes, it gets bigger and makes the cracks bigger, too. This can lead to big holes and a broken-up driveway. Taking care of your driveway is a simple way to save a lot of money in the future. Small, easy fixes now can stop you from needing a full new driveway later.
Step 1: Keep It Clean
This is one of the easiest things you can do. You should sweep your driveway often to get rid of dirt, leaves, and rocks. Small rocks can be like little hammers hitting your asphalt when you drive over them. You should also watch out for spills. If you see oil, gas, or other chemicals on your driveway, you should clean them up right away. These liquids can break down the asphalt and make it weak. You can use simple soap and water to clean most spills.
Step 2: Fix Cracks and Holes Fast
Even a brand-new driveway can get small cracks. This is normal. But when you see a crack, you should not wait to fix it. A small crack can quickly turn into a big one. It is a good idea to walk your driveway and look for problems every few months. If you find a small crack, you can fill it with a special liquid made for asphalt. You can find this at most home improvement stores. For bigger cracks or holes, you should call a professional. A small fix today can stop a big problem tomorrow.
Step 3: Sealcoating Is Your Best Friend
This is the most important thing you can do for your driveway. Sealcoating is a special liquid that is painted or sprayed onto your asphalt. It is like a protective layer. It does two very important things:
- It protects from the sun: The sun’s UV rays can make your asphalt dry and grey. This makes it weak. The sealcoat is like a sunscreen that keeps the asphalt from getting damaged. It also brings back that nice, dark black color.
- It keeps water out: A sealcoat fills in all the tiny little holes and small cracks in your asphalt. This stops water from getting in. This is very important in NYC and Monsey, where we have freezing winters. If water gets in and freezes, it can break apart your driveway.
You should get a professional to sealcoat your driveway every two to three years. This one job will make your driveway last much, much longer.
Step 4: Be Careful with Heavy Things
Asphalt is very strong, but it is not unbreakable. Try to avoid parking very heavy trucks or machines on your driveway for a long time. The weight can make dents in the surface. In the winter, be careful when you are clearing snow and ice. Do not use metal shovels or sharp tools that can cut into the asphalt. It is better to use a plastic shovel. Also, be careful with some kinds of salt used for melting ice. Some salts can be bad for your driveway. Look for a salt that is safe for asphalt.
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When to Call a Professional
Some small jobs like cleaning or filling a very small crack can be done by you. But most of the time, it is best to call a pro. Paving companies have the right tools and knowledge to do the job perfectly. For bigger cracks, deep holes, or for a new sealcoat, you should always hire an expert. They will make sure the job is done the right way so your driveway lasts for many years. When you are looking for an expert, you can search for driveway paving near me. They will be able to help you with any and all of your driveway needs. You can also visit us here to learn more: Our Location.
The First Step to a Long-Lasting Driveway
Remember, a strong driveway starts with a good base. When your asphalt was first put in, the ground underneath was prepared. A thick layer of stone was put down and pressed flat. This is the base that holds up the asphalt. If the base is not good, the driveway will not last, no matter how much you take care of it. This is another reason why it is so important to pick a great paving company from the start. They will make sure the job is done right from the bottom up.
Taking good care of your asphalt driveway is not hard. By keeping it clean, fixing small cracks fast, and having it sealcoated every few years, you can keep it looking new for a very long time. A well-cared-for driveway adds to the beauty and value of your home. It shows that you care about your property. With these simple tips, you can feel confident that your asphalt driveway will be a strong and beautiful part of your home for many years to come.
