If you’re a homeowner on the Central Coast with an asphalt driveway, you know how important it is to keep it maintained. After all, your driveway is the first thing people see when they arrive at your house. A well-kept driveway makes a great impression and increases your home’s curb appeal (and value!). But asphalt driveways need some TLC to stay looking their best.
That’s why the asphalt experts at Whitleah Asphalt have put together these 11 easy tips for maintaining your asphalt driveway. Follow these simple steps, and your driveway will continue looking smooth, dark, and freshly paved for years to come!
11 Asphalt Driveway Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Central Coast Driveway Looking Fresh
Tip #1: Keep It Clean
One of the easiest ways to maintain your asphalt is to keep it free of dirt, leaves, and debris. Use a sturdy broom or leaf blower to clear away any mess on a regular basis. You can also rinse off the driveway with a hose. Letting gunk build-up allows oils, gasoline, and even simple things like morning dew to seep in and gradually deteriorate the asphalt surface.
Tip #2: Seal It Up
Every 2-3 years, you’ll want to reseal your driveway with a specialized asphalt sealer product. This protective coating blocks UV rays and water from penetrating the surface and causing cracks and pitting. Sealing also gives your driveway that rich black “newly paved” look. It’s an easy weekend DIY job that makes a huge difference.
Tip #3: Fix Cracks Right Away
Even hairline cracks need to be filled in as soon as you notice them. These small fractures allow moisture in, which can lead to big problems down the road as the crack widens and worsens. Use a driveway crack filler product made especially for asphalt to prevent further cracking and crumbling.
Tip #4: Be Careful with That Snow Shovel!
In snowy Central Coast winters, be gentle when shovelling snow off your driveway. Asphalt is tough, but harsh shovel scraping can gradually roughen and pit the surface over time. Use a plastic shovel or brush instead of a metal one to avoid gouging the asphalt.
Tip #5: Wheel, Whoa!
The weight and turning pressure of vehicle wheels are some of the biggest threats to asphalt driveways. Be careful when turning sharply on your driveway, as this can grind the asphalt down into ruts and loose gravel over time. Going slowly at turns will help minimise this wear and tear.
Tip #6: Park Well Back from the Garage
If you’re parking in the garage, be sure to stop your vehicle well before the garage door opens. The constant backing up, turning of wheels, and stop-and-go motions right at that entrance area can really pulverise the asphalt over time. Parking a bit farther back spreads out this impact.
Tip #7: Tread Lightly on Walkways
Use extra care not to spill gasoline, oil, solvents, or other automotive fluids on your asphalt driveway or walkways. Petroleum-based products can dissolve and damage the asphalt surface. If you do get a spill or leak, clean it up with kitty litter or driveway cleaner as soon as possible.
Tip #8: Trim Those Roots
If you have trees lining your driveway, keep an eye on the roots. As they grow thicker and start pushing up under the asphalt, they can create buckles, cracks, and uplifted edges that are not only unsightly but a tripping hazard. Have an arborist trim back roots that are getting too close to the asphalt driveways Central Coast surface.
Tip #9: Check That Drainage
Improper drainage that allows water to pool or run across your driveway is bad news. Standing water can seep through the surface and gradually erode the base material underneath, creating soft spots, ruts, and crumbling over time. Ensure that surrounding soil/landscape grading and drainage systems direct water flow away from the driveway area.
Tip #10: Call In the Pros
For larger cracks, widespread pitting, or other significant damage, don’t try to DIY repair the driveway yourself. This often leads to further cracking, unevenness, and subpar results. Have the experts from a reputable local asphalt paving company like Whitleah Asphalt come out and assess whether resurfacing, patching, or even a complete repave makes more sense.
Tip #11: Know When to Replace
Even with great maintenance, no asphalt driveway lasts forever. After 15-20 years, you’ll likely need a full driveway replacement. Waiting until major crumbling and pothole problems arise causes additional hassle and costs for repairing the damaged base layers underneath. Plan ahead for a new pour every couple of decades.
Start Maintaining Your Driveway Today!
There you have it – 11 simple yet super effective tips for keeping your Central Coast asphalt driveway looking smooth, rich black, and brand spanking new for years to come. Just a little routine cleaning, sealing, fixing small cracks, and being cautious about driveway impacts goes a long way.
For larger driveway asphalt repairs or a full replacement, be sure to call on the experts at Whitleah Asphalt. With their skills, experience and top-notch materials, they’ll get your cracked, crumbling, or just plain worn-out driveway looking freshly paved again in no time!