An asphalt parking lot or driveway is an investment in your property. Not only does it improve curb appeal, but it also improves safety for pedestrians and drivers.
As an asphalt paving contractor, we get a lot of questions about maintenance. As such, we've put together an FAQ page for current and prospective clients.
If you don't see your question on this list, please feel free to reach out to our team. We'd be more than happy to help.
In the meantime, here's what you need to know about asphalt maintenance.
What Causes Asphalt to Fail?
Your asphalt pavement is more likely to fail if water seeps into the foundation. This oxidizes the foundation and dries out the asphalt's binders. The asphalt then becomes brittle and begins to chip and crack, which allows more water to enter.
How Do I Prevent Asphalt Failure?
Regular preventive maintenance will extend the life of your asphalt. This includes sealcoating, as well as filling cracks and potholes.
We may recommend resurfacing if the foundation is intact. As the name suggests, this allows us to replace the surface while leaving the foundation in place.
How Often Should I Sealcoat?
We recommend that you after the first 90 days. After that, you can sealcoat as needed. In general, our customers will schedule sealcoating for every 2 to 3 years. But it depends on the level of wear and tear to your asphalt.
Sealcoating protects your asphalt from UV rays, precipitation, and automobile fluids. As such, it's a great way to prolong the life of your asphalt surface.
When’s the Best Time to Sealcoat?
The sealcoating season runs from late spring to early fall. But it depends on the weather conditions.
The temperature needs to be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. We'll also need dry conditions to seal your parking lot or driveway.
While you can sealcoat in early autumn, we don't recommend it once the leaves start to fall. If leaves fall onto fresh sealcoating, it'll ruin its effectiveness.
How Can I Fix Asphalt Cracks?
You may be able to if they're less than an inch wide. But you should call a contractor to handle any large asphalt cracks.
For more information, check out our guide for filling asphalt cracks. The sooner you repair your driveway or parking lot, the better.
What Should I Do About Oil Spots on My Driveway?
If left untreated, oil spots can cause damage by slowly eating away the asphalt’s binders. Clean oil spots with a commercial degreaser, brush, and water. Be sure to completely rinse off the degreaser from the asphalt.
Do I Need to Repair Potholes?
Yes, you should repair potholes as soon as they appear. Potholes are a dangerous hazard to pedestrians and motorists. Also, potholes only get deeper over time. The sooner you fill a pothole, the better.
How is Resurfacing Different From Replacement?
Is there damage to the foundation? If so, we'll recommend total replacement. If not, we'll recommend resurfacing so you can save money.
Resurfacing lets you remove damaged asphalt while keeping the foundation intact. From there, our crew can paint new line markings so your parking lot looks brand new. Keep in mind that we also offer driveway resurfacing.
Can I Use Ice-Melting Products on My Asphalt?
Ice-melting products are fine for using on asphalt. Salt or most other melting agents will not harm your driveway or parking lot. But they can stain the asphalt surface. As such, we recommend rinsing away any residue left over in the spring.
Request a Free Estimate From Us
A-1 Asphalt is a reputable asphalt contractor in Wayland, MI. As such, we'd be more than happy to help you maintain the structural integrity of your asphalt surface.
To request a free estimate, please call A-1 Asphalt at (800) 871-4401. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.