Blog

Asphalt is popular for driveway surfacing, with many people choosing asphalt over concrete because of its durability and cost-effectiveness. But even the most sturdy material isn’t immune to the relentless impact of time and weather. Following proper asphalt driveway care is key if you want to increase the lifespan of your driveway surfacing and maintain its curbside appeal.

At LSL Surfacing, we’re here to assist you if you’re in the market for a new driveway or plan to upgrade your existing one. With 25 years of experience, we’re experts on everything there is to know about proper asphalt driveway maintenance.

In today’s article, we’ll look at asphalt driveway care strategies that are easy to implement and help you ensure proper upkeep. 

How is An Asphalt Driveway Damaged?

Several factors can damage asphalt driveway over time, including:

Improper Installation: While driveway deterioration over the years is common, sometimes, improper installation can expedite the process. If the surfaces haven’t properly prepared the sub-layer or allowed the asphalt to set properly, it can lead to cracks and fissures early on.

Constant Usage: Driveways are slowly worn out due to constant use and exposure to weather conditions. The older your driveway, the more prone it is to damage and crack formation.

Surrounding Vegetation: If you have a surrounding garden or large trees on your property, your driveway is susceptible to damage from the root systems, which can form bumps under your driveway surface. 

Oil spills: Spilling petrol or engine oil can stain the surface and damage the integrity of your asphalt driveway.

Common Types of Asphalt Driveway Damage

Some common signs of asphalt driveway damage to look out for are:

• Cracking
• Pothole formation
• Raveling
• Sinkhole formation

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to undertake proper asphalt driveway maintenance to prevent further deterioration and damage.

7 Top Strategies for Asphalt Driveway Care

Wondering how to protect asphalt driveway? 

Driveways are often the most-used portion of your home and are constantly exposed to weather elements, leading to frequent wear and tear. 

To keep your driveway in top condition for as long as possible, follow these asphalt driveway maintenance recommendations:

1. Check for Damage

The first step in asphalt driveway crack repair is to begin with a visual inspection. It’s worth inspecting your driveway regularly, after harsh winter and summer months. 

Minor damage can be easily remedied and repaired before it becomes a bigger issue. Massive damage and repair can be expensive, so you want to address issues as soon as you spot them.

2. Keep the Surface Clean

Once you’ve noted the cracks or holes in your driveway, you’ll want to commit to proper asphalt driveway cleaning. Use a broom to remove dirt and vegetation from cracks, then wash the driveway with water and soap. For larger holes, remove loose asphalt and debris using a shovel.

3. Prevent Water Logging

Water is one of the major reasons for driveway damage. When your driveway has improper drainage, cracks and potholes can form. 

During asphalt driveway installation, your contractors should make sure it’s still able to drain properly,  which will prevent water stagnation and expensive repairs down the line.

4. Repair Minor Cracks

Cracks aren’t just ugly, but can be highly dangerous as well. Cracks can compromise your driveway’s structural integrity, which might cause you to trip and injure yourself. 

You can carry out asphalt driveway crack repair on your own, but for larger cracks and holes, it’s best to contact the professionals at LSL Surfacing. 

Once you’ve cleaned the crack, you can apply asphalt sealer (available at local hardware stores). Use a spatula or knife to smooth out the putty, then allow it to dry before you use the driveway. For the best outcome, repair cracks and apply sealant on a dry and warm day.

5. Sealcoat the Driveway Surface

Sealcoating is an essential step in asphalt driveway care to maintain visual appeal and make your driveway more resistant to weather conditions such as rain, snow, freezing temperatures and scorching sun. 

Sealcoating should be done every two to five years to improve structural integrity and longevity. If your area experiences heavy rainfall or extreme weather fluctuations, you might need to commit to a more regular driveway sealcoating schedule. 

For newly installed driveways, allow the area to completely cure before you seal coat it, which takes about six months to a year.

6. Avoid Chemicals

You might resort to using industrial-grade chemicals to remove oil stains or other debris, but these can damage the structure of your driveway, making it more prone to cracks and potholes. 

It’s best to avoid using chemical de-icers on your driveway, instead using cat litter or salt. 

7. Protect The Edges

As driveway maintenance specialists, we know that the weakest part of a driveway is its edge, because it lacks support and is more prone to damage by roots and vegetation. 

An important asphalt driveway care strategy is to prevent water pooling along the edges, remove weeds and other plants, and ensure the nearby topsoil is at least an inch lower than the driveway edge.

Contact LSL Surfacing For Resurfacing Your Asphalt Driveway

Proper asphalt driveway care will help maximise your return on investment, maintain your driveway’s aesthetics, and increase its longevity. 

LSL Surfacing is a leading provider of resurfacing solutions for property owners across the southeast of the UK, in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Bedfordshire.

Our experienced professionals are on hand to assist with driveway resurfacing and provide assistance for all aspects of asphalt driveway maintenance.

Call us on 01223 420369 or 07899 756373 for more information.