With the warm rays of the sun shining down, summer presents the perfect opportunity to revive and restore your asphalt driveway. After enduring the harsh conditions of winter, your driveway may have developed cracks, potholes, and general wear and tear. However, fear not—the summer provides an ideal window for conducting the necessary repairs to rejuvenate your driveway’s appearance and functionality.
Essential Asphalt Maintenance
To ensure that your asphalt driveway remains in optimal condition for years to come, we have curated an ultimate summer repair checklist. Follow these essential steps to breathe new life into your driveway and create a lasting impression for all who pass by.
If you are checking your asphalt driveway in summer for damages to repair, make sure to check these points to ensure that you do not miss anything:
Clean and Inspect
It’s essential to properly clean your driveway before beginning any repairs. Start by clearing away any loose dirt, leaves, or debris with a broom or leaf blower. Pay particular attention to the driveway’s edges and corners, where debris often collects. Consider using a pressure washer to get a deep clean for more difficult spots. Clean surfaces will help the repair materials adhere more effectively, while also ensuring you are able to see any underlying problems as they develop.
Use this chance to look over your driveway’s entire surface for cracks, potholes, or other problems. Keep an eye out for unevenness or texture changes, as these are indications of wear and strain. Early detection of these problems will stop them from escalating over time; helping you save on long-term expenses.
Repair Cracks
Asphalt driveway cracks are a prevalent issue that, if ignored, can result in further damage. To start, use an air compressor or a stiff brush to clean the cracks and eliminate dirt and debris. You can use a rubberized asphalt crack filler for tiny cracks. This elastic substance is intended to swell and shrink in response to temperature changes, preventing adjacent cracks from developing. Apply the crack filler evenly, being sure to fill the crack entirely. For a seamless finish, smoothen the surface using a putty knife or trowel.
A patching material made especially for asphalt driveways is advised for larger pavement cracks. Apply the patching compound following the manufacturer’s directions after carefully cleaning the area. Ensure that sure the material is level with the surrounding surface, compacting it firmly to prevent creating an uneven area.
Fill Potholes
Your driveway’s aesthetics are negatively impacted by potholes, which can also present a safety risk for drivers and their vehicle. Use a brush or shovel to start, removing water and loose debris from the potholes. Before starting repairs, it is vital to ensure the potholes are dry.
You can use a pothole-filling substance for smaller potholes. Use a tamper or the back of a shovel to firmly crush the material after filling the pothole to a modest height just above the surface. It may be necessary to fill larger or deeper potholes in layers, compacting each layer before adding the next. To achieve a level finish, flatten the surface using a trowel or putty knife.
Sealcoat for Structural Integrity
Maintaining the integrity of your asphalt driveway requires sealcoating. It serves as a shield against UV radiation, moisture, and other substances that hasten disintegration. Make sure your driveway is tidy and free of any loose debris before applying a sealant.
Pick a quality sealant product that is especially made for asphalt driveways. Apply the sealant in small sections to achieve even application, using a long-handled squeegee or specialty applicator. Before permitting any traffic on the driveway surface, give the sealant ample time to dry. Sealcoating should be done periodically at regular intervals for the best possible protection.
Maintain Drainage Systems
To stop water from building up on your driveway, which can cause cracks and potholes, proper drainage is crucial. Check the slope of your driveway to ensure water can run off the surface. If required, consider altering the slope; you may also leverage French drains or another drainage system to divert water away from the driveway and the foundation of your home.
The gutters and drainage systems along your driveway should be cleaned of any debris or impediments to the water’s flow. By doing this, any rainwater will effectively drain away from the home and your driveway, preventing potential damage caused by water pooling.
Trim Your Trees and Vegetation
Your asphalt driveway may deteriorate due to overhanging branches and encroaching vegetation. Trees, bushes, and shrubs that are near the driveway should be pruned. This will not only stop branches from falling, but it will also lessen the amount of shade that covers the driveway, allowing it to dry more quickly from rainfall or morning dew.
It is also practical to monitor the development of roots close to your road or driveway. Tree roots can cause increased pressure on the asphalt structure, potentially leading to fractures and instability. Maintain the integrity of your driveway with routine inspections, treating any root intrusion as soon as it is detected.
Reseal the Driveway
Your asphalt driveway may eventually lose its protective sealer, making it more susceptible to harm from UV radiation, rain, and chemicals. Consider resealing your driveway as part of your summer to-do list to add a layer of security.
Clean the surface completely, getting rid of any debris, grime, or loose sealant before resealing. Using a squeegee or roller, apply a premium asphalt sealant, being sure to get an even surface. Before allowing any traffic on the surface, let the sealant completely cure.
It is always wise to entrust the sealing process to a professional company providing asphalt paving and repair service. Reach out to the team at Bortolo and Sons for all your asphalt repair and maintenance needs.
Conclusion
To increase the longevity of your asphalt surface and prevent expensive replacements, routine maintenance and prompt repairs are essential. Keep in mind that a well-maintained driveway improves your property’s curb appeal and the value of your home on the real estate market.
You can ensure a functional, durable, and aesthetically-appealing driveway by following the tips outlined in this article. Apply these recommendations to your summer’s checklist for asphalt driveway maintenance, and get in touch with a professional asphalt contractor at Bortolo and Sons!
Asphalt Paving & Repairs in Burnaby, B.C.
Looking for professional assistance with your asphalt driveway repairs or Asphalt Paving in Burnaby? Contact Bortolo and Sons, the experts in asphalt maintenance and asphalt paving. Our skilled technicians will restore your asphalt driveway to its former glory. Reach out to us today to learn more about our asphalt repair solutions and asphalt paving in Burnaby.
Contact our asphalt paving specialists today: Call (604) 298-8775 to speak with our asphalt paving specialists in Burnaby today!