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What Goes Into Asphalt Maintenance?

About 95% of the roads in the UK use asphalt surfacing for benefits like cost-efficiency and long-term use. However, many find that asphalt on private roads and driveways doesn’t last as long, often requiring a retouch. 

This is, in part, due to lack of understanding about asphalt maintenance. Many people mistake “low maintenance” for “no maintenance”, which can lead to resurfacing every few years and an increase in overall asphalt maintenance costs.

At LSL Surfacing, we’ve been laying asphalt roads and driveways for private landowners and homeowners for 25 years. 

If you’re considering asphalt road surfacing but are wondering about the maintenance requirements, we’ve put together a guide on asphalt maintenance for private roads.

Contact our expert team for surfacing information.

Why Regular Asphalt Maintenance Matters

People commonly ask, ‘How often does asphalt need to be replaced?’. With regular maintenance, you can put off replacing it for decades. 

When asphalt roads are heavily exposed to vehicles, water, and extreme weather, potholes and cracks will form. To avoid this, regular maintenance and asphalt floor repair is recommended. 

Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your road but also ensures your investment remains cost-effective. By addressing small repairs as they arise, you can avoid the need for costly full-scale maintenance in the future.

How Often Should Private Roads Be Inspected & Maintained?

There’s no standard schedule that you need to follow. However, we do recommend that you visually inspect your asphalt road thoroughly at least twice a year (spring and autumn). This frequency allows you to check the road condition before winter so that you can carry out asphalt floor repair during those times. 

Minor issues such as small cracks or surface stains can be resolved fairly easily. However, for more serious issues like deep potholes or subsurface damage, it's best to call in professional contractors to ensure the work is done safely and effectively. 

What Should Be Checked During Asphalt Road Maintenance?

If you’re wondering what exactly you need to check for during maintenance, here are some things to look out for:

Inspect for Cracks, Potholes & Surface Distress

When visually inspecting your road, you should look out for things like hairline cracks, small potholes, ruts, or any faded areas. These signs indicate that water or traffic might be wearing down your surface. If you notice these signs, you should promptly carry out the necessary asphalt floor repairs so it doesn’t become a costly structural problem.

Clean & Remove Debris, Stains & Organic Growth

We know it can be difficult to clean your driveway or private road every day. However, it’s important to clear away leaves and oil stains, as these can trap water beneath the surface and eventually cause asphalt to crack. With regular cleaning, you not only reduce the risk of slipping, but also help prevent the gradual deterioration of your road. 

Check Drainage & Water Pooling Issues

One of the major causes of asphalt failure is water pooling. This is easily preventable by ensuring all the drains are clear and the edges remain intact so that the water can flow off the road instead of seeping into cracks.

Fill Cracks & Patch Potholes Promptly

During winters, the freeze and thaw cycles can cause existing cracks and potholes to widen. Because of this, it’s important to seal and patch any damage that you find during your visual inspection before it becomes a bigger problem. Taking care of these issues early can save you significant asphalt maintenance costs in the long run.

Edge Repair & Weed Control

A buildup of weeds along the road edges can weaken the asphalt base and eventually create cracks. To prevent this, trim the weeds, remove any roots that might be growing under the road, and also reinforce the edges to prevent any new cracks.

Markings & Line Repainting

For private estates or shared access roads, clear markings help organise parking, guide traffic, and improve safety, especially at night or during bad weather. This really helps in making sure all the vehicles are following a set path, reducing the risk of damage to the edges of your asphalt road.

Assess Base & Sub-base Integrity

If, during your visual inspection, you come across larger cracks or large sinkholes, the problem could be deeper than the surface. You should ideally get a professional to check if the sub-base is stable and then invest in surface-level fixes.

Sealcoating: Timing, Frequency & Benefits

Sealcoating is considered a preventative treatment for asphalt road maintenance. It’s a thin protective layer that is applied over your road, and it helps shield your driveway from things like UV rays, water, oil, and general wear. Sealcoating your asphalt driveway can help reduce your asphalt maintenance costs. 

You may be wondering how often driveway sealing is required. For private roads, we recommend getting sealcoating done every two to three years. Your road is the most vulnerable through winter, so sealcoating your asphalt driveway during this time is a good idea. 

Repair vs. Resurfacing: Which Is Right for Your Road?

Another common question is whether the damage is bad enough to warrant resurfacing the entire road. The answer depends on the depth of the damage and the spread of the issue. If a professional inspection suggests that the crack damage goes beyond the surface and has affected the base, you might need to resurface the entire road.

Contact LSL Surfacing for Asphalt Surfacing on Your Private Roads

Asphalt-surfaced roads can last for decades, but only with proper maintenance. Once your road is built and surfaced, the maintenance becomes your responsibility. This is why it’s important to understand exactly what you need to do to make sure your asphalt road stays in good shape.

At LSL Surfacing, we combine over 25 years of experience to help private road owners and homeowners lay and maintain their roads.

Our team works with a range of surfaces, including resin and tarmac driveways, agricultural roadways, and surface dressing for estates. We offer our services across Cambrideshire, Bedfordshire, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire. Call us on 01223 420369 or 07522 830636 today to discuss your road surfacing requirements.