Well-installed quality asphalt can serve you 15-20 years. However, this number can increase or decrease, depending on how well you do your pavement preventive maintenance (PPM). If you neglect your asphalt maintenance, elements such as the hot sun and water can easily cause damages that negatively affect your pavement's lifespan. On the other hand, good PPM procedures can help you keep your pavement attractive while also eliminating costly repairs.

Below are some ways to extend your asphalt pavement's life.

Check Your Loads

If your asphalt pavements are not designed for heavy use, any heavy vehicle you allow on your property will have adverse effects on the condition of your asphalt pavement. Therefore, you should limit the entry of such vehicles on your property. Start receiving your deliveries at the gate and move your garbage containers outside your property.

Keep Your Drainage in Good Condition

Drainage issues cause rapid deterioration of asphalt pavement. Any water that finds its way beneath your asphalt creates weak spots, increasing the risk of potholes. Therefore, to avoid costly asphalt replacements, you should immediately correct any drainage problems on your asphalt.

Sweep the Pavement Regularly

While sweeping is a simple maintenance procedure, it has a significant impact on the longevity of your asphalt pavement. Sweeping eliminate grit and sand that eat away your pavement's seal coating. Once your pavement has no extra layer of protection, water will quickly seep into the pavement and weaken the structure over time.

Fill Cracks Immediately

Even a well-built asphalt pavement can crack due to settlement of the materials below or moisture. However, you should not ignore these cracks, as they can easily let in huge amounts of water that will further damage your asphalt.

Seal the Surface

Seal coating will add a protective layer to your asphalt driveway. This additional layer protects the asphalt from water, UV rays, and vehicle fluids, increasing its lifespan. The procedure will also maintain the pavement's original look, thanks to the seal coat's deep black finish.

Repair Damages Immediately

Though most asphalt damages are preventable through proper installation, you may experience some when your pavement starts to age. Some damages you can spot on your asphalt pavement include potholes, cracks, and rutting. You should repair such damages immediately to avoid further deterioration that leads to expensive repairs and rebuilds.

For example, while portholes are one of the worst damages on asphalt pavements, they do not signify the end of your pavement's life. You can regain your pavement's flawless condition if you repair potholes immediately after spotting them. Use high-quality binding mixtures to prevent the problem from recurring.

Wipe Oil Stains

You should never let oil stains settle on your asphalt pavement if you want the pavement to serve you for long. Use cleaners like baking soda and laundry detergents — to remove the oil.

If you fail to wipe oil stains on your pavement soon after spotting them, the oil will react with the asphalt and create a weak point. Such asphalt will be more prone to damage by elements and wear and tear.

Though asphalt has a 15-20 years lifespan, your pavement can serve you for more years if you follow proper maintenance procedures. Follow the tips above to keep your asphalt pavement in good condition for long and extend its life. However, if your asphalt has persistent damages, hire a professional paving contractor for a complete replacement. At Star Paving, we have the skills, experience, and equipment needed for any paving job and strive to provide unmatched service and quality for every project, no matter the size. Contact us today to experience expert service!