The Secrets to Keeping an Asphalt Driveway in Good Shape
Asphalt is the material you often see road specialists laying for use by motorists. Sometimes, asphalt also goes by the name hot mix asphalt or hot mix. It comprises a mixture of sand and stone aggregates held together by a tar-like liquid that solidifies with time. The slurry of asphalt is a by-product of petroleum, and the paving specialists must heat it to a high temperature to turn into a liquid that they can pour. When laid on the surface, asphalt solidifies to form a firm surface that can withstand the weight of a car. Are you planning to pave your driveway with asphalt? If so, here is everything you need to keep it in good shape for years:
Deal With Cracks Immediately
Asphalt driveways are just like the delicate teeth in your mouth. They look and feel sturdy, but that does not make them damage-proof. Gladly, you can avoid bigger, expensive problems by addressing the small cracks immediately you spot them. Special seal coatings are available in road maintenance and hardware shops near you. All you have to do is sweep the asphalt driveway to remove all the dried leaves and dirt. Follow this up with a generous application of the sealant over the cracks. If the cracks are too big for the sealant, then you need to cut the outer layer of the asphalt surface to expose the layers beneath it. You will need to compact the foundational layer before laying a new asphalt surface.
Clean the Asphalt Driveway
Many people barely see the need to clean their asphalt driveway. You should not be one of them! The vehicles that drive over your beloved into your home can spill petrochemical substances on your driveway occasionally. When these chemicals combine with other elements, such as ultraviolet radiation and acid rain, they form harmful compounds that attack and weaken your driveway. It is advisable to soak up such spills with soapy water to remove stains and keep the chemicals off the surface of the driveway.
Give the Asphalt Driveway Ample Time to Cure
Having a new asphalt driveway comes with the urge to drive over it and get a taste of the surface. However, this could be your biggest mistake yet. Give the new surface the time it needs to heal and harden properly. The simple practice will help it last for years. Usually, two to three days are enough for an asphalt driveway to cure and be adequately functional.
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