Extending the Life of Your Driveways and Walkways
Your driveways and walkways are a heavy financial investment and are among your company’s first impressions on clients. How you maintain your property is a telltale sign, revealing how important your image and reputation are. Fairly or not, it also reflects how invested you are in what you do.
Proactive property maintenance is key to protecting your investment while ensuring a good brand image. The pavement is durable and built to last. However, without proper care, its wear and tear may be accelerated. This guide provides actionable maintenance strategies for extending the life of your asphalt driveways and walkways.
Proactive Pavement Care Starts Here
Pavement is a multilayered structure with several components, meaning damage may start small but, if neglected, can extend to other areas. Proper driveway and walkway care is key in delaying wear and tear while minimizing the impact of deteriorants like water, UV radiation, oil spills, and heavy loads.
A consistent maintenance schedule is the best strategy to prevent widespread damage and premature driveway replacement. Remember, it takes small but regular checkups to avoid major breakdowns down the line.
Foundational Steps for Driveway Longevity
Although wear is inevitable, you can take several steps to delay its impact and improve your pavement’s lifespan.
Keep the Surface Clean and Clear
A clean surface is your first line of defense against deterioration. Debris and dirt trap moisture, which can seep into your asphalt driveway and walkways. They also double as concealing agents, hiding developing issues while they are still easy to fix.
Vehicle fluid is another accelerant that can reduce your driveway’s longevity. Car oil and gas are petroleum-based solvents that can soften and dissolve the binders used in asphalt walkways. These fluids create soft spots that can easily cave under pressure.
Landscape debris, like leaves, stains your surface and contributes to moisture retention. Dirt and grime under traffic will act as sandpaper, eroding the coating on your paving.
A comprehensive solution is to sweep your walkway and paving monthly using a stiff-bristle brush. You can also use a leaf blower in the warmer months or if your surface is not damp. For oil spots, use an absorbent product like cat litter to remove excess oil, followed by a stiff brush and degreaser wash. After winter, consider a gentle power wash to remove the grime and salt. A quick wash with a commercial detergent should lift any remaining winter residue.
Invest in Proper Drainage
You cannot do much to hide your pavement from the rain, but you can install a sound drainage system to protect it from its effects. Once water pools on your pavement, it will slowly seep in. When the water penetrates the surface, it saturates the gravel base, weakening the subgrade soil. The freeze and thaw cycles also contribute to a loss of structural support.
When the temperature drops, the water that has penetrated to the subgrade freezes and pushes the asphalt paving up. However, when it melts, the driveway settles back. But the weakened base can no longer support it, leading to cracks and potholes.
For proper drainage, slope the landscape grading away from the pavement edges. You should also check your irrigation system to ensure it doesn’t spray onto the driveway. Keep the downspouts, catch basins, and storm drains free from debris to prevent pooling.
Address Cracks and Damage Immediately
Regardless of the cause, cracks in your walkway will lead to bigger challenges. If you notice any cracks, act quickly. After it rains, review your driveway for cracks, and determine the extent of the damage caused.
Sealcoating can help with hairline cracks less than 1/8 inch wide. These cracks may not be an immediate emergency, but they indicate that the driveway is becoming brittle. Applying a sealcoat will strengthen the asphalt, reinforcing the structure.
Linear cracks stretching over ½ inch will need more than just coating. Clean them thoroughly to remove debris and then fill them. You can use a rubberized crack filler to prevent water intrusion. However, alligator cracks will require professional intervention. These cracks, often interconnected, are signs of extensive base failure and usually require a professional to repair and reinforce the affected section. Expert asphalt patching offers a seamless repair with an even final product.
Advanced Protection for Your Driveway and Walkway
Beyond maintenance, proactive driveway protection can keep your investment safe for longer.
Sealcoating for Asphalt Surfaces
Sealcoating is a protective membrane that creates a waterproof barrier on asphalt. Apart from waterproofing, this layer of protection can also protect your pavement from UV rays and automotive fluids. Its deep color will also revive your paving, restoring that black finish that enhances its appeal.
Completing a sealcoating project can take a few hours, and you and your team must be careful around the area while it cures. Never apply sealcoating on newly paved surfaces, which can hinder drying. Wait at least 90 days if you have just had new paving or a section replaced, and reapply every two to five years.
Although a team of DIY specialists on your staff can manage the tasks, working with a professional is a cost-effective solution that will provide expert results. When you hire a team, you won’t need to worry about investing in the required tools for the job. You pay, and they complete the work.
Respecting Weight and Usage Limits
Heavy vehicles and trucks can contribute to accelerated wear and tear by putting excessive pressure on your driveway. It is essential to maintain a weight limit on the types of vehicles usually allowed on your pavement. Have a designated spot for delivery and dumpster collection trucks. In these spots, you should use reinforced paving to handle the weight and impact from larger vehicles.
During winter, partner with an experienced snow removal company to ensure snow doesn’t linger on your pavement for long. Your chosen company should have both the expertise and equipment needed for the job, like guards on the blades that can prevent them from scraping off your asphalt.
Partner With Pavement Maintenance Experts
It takes a few simple steps to protect your walkways and driveways. Regular monthly cleaning, a proper drainage system, and addressing cracks early on can ensure you have paving that will last for years to come. Consistent proactive care is necessary to maintain a safe and attractive pavement that will inspire trust before clients even walk through the door.
When you need expert repairs that will last, you can trust Green & Black LLC. For over 15 years, we have been helping companies protect their images with reliable property maintenance services. We provide paving and patching services to protect your paving and keep your property looking its best. Get a free quote today and maintain your property’s appeal.