Increased UV radiation, scorching heat, and longer daylight can increase pavement damage during the summer months. Just like we take care of our skin to prevent sunburns, the same level of maintenance is also required for asphalt pavements. Today we are going to share some effective procedures which can ensure that your asphalt pavement stays in good condition so that you don’t have to spend a fortune on paving your asphalt surface again.
1. Crack Repair
Your driveway becomes more susceptible to water damage when punctures and cracks develop in your pavement. This can be caused either by rain or water from sprinklers seeping into the underneath holes and cracks, causing the asphalt to degrade. You can use asphalt repair tape to waterproof the pavement by simply applying and torching it. These tapes usually carry a stretchable self-sealing formula that can guarantee you peace of mind for years to come.
2. Deal With Potholes
Potholes serve as the bane of every property as they can spread out like garden weeds if your pavement gets a lot of traffic. It can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from sudden temperature fluctuations to inclement weather conditions and constant usage. Administering proper maintenance of your asphalt pavement can help you save a lot on repairs at a later stage. Crack over-banding can be a preventive measure you can undertake to tackle the potholes by flush-filling the cracks using a strong sealant. This is next followed up by an additional sealant layer on top and both sides to prevent the permeation of water and the damage caused by it in the pavement’s upper layers.
3. Ensure Proper Water Drainage
Pooling water can be a big source of asphalt erosion and even lead to both internal and external structural problems in the long run. While puddles might be a fun option to splash water around, they can serve as a red flag of the asphalt pavement’s drainage system condition. You need to address such concerns at the earliest. Pooling water left on the pavement after a heavy downpour can cause cracks over time. You can prevent the same by ensuring that your pavement has a level surface that drains the water properly. Depending on the type and size of your asphalt surface, you can even have a catch basin installed.
4. Sealcoating Driveways
The quality of your asphalt pavement can degrade following constant exposure to UV radiation. You can seal coat the asphalt driveways to fill in small cracks and offer protection against all weather elements. On being left unsealed, the asphalt can oxidize and harden. Over time, it becomes more brittle and cracks. Herein lies the importance of periodically sealing the asphalt pavement to prevent serious damage. A liquid sealer used in the process forms an impenetrable barrier when drying out to keep the pavement buffered from environmental factors.
5. Move All Heavy Vehicles Occasionally
We all tend to park our cars in the same spot. But this can lead to pavement damage, especially when the asphalt has already softened post-heat exposure. The constant pressure levied by a parked vehicle can cause the asphalt to deform or even sink in.
Final Words
Rising temperature causes the asphalt to heat up fast. Once it reaches a certain point, the asphalt starts softening, and this makes it vulnerable to damage. Soft asphalt pavement gets scuffed, scratched, punctured, and sunk easily. Repeated parking of heavy vehicles in the same spot can add fuel to the fire by speeding up the damage. Although there is no foolproof solution to this problem, you can slacken the process by following the tips listed above.
