Asphalt pavement is a durable and attractive option for creating a smooth and safe surface for driveways, roads, and parking lots. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that the asphalt remains in good condition. Further, regular asphalt maintenance offers several benefits, including improved safety, enhanced aesthetics, and increased longevity. By correctly maintaining asphalt pavement, property owners can protect their investment while ensuring that it looks great and stands the test of time. With the proper maintenance plan, asphalt pavement can last for many years with minimal repairs.
The Importance of Regular Asphalt Maintenance
Asphalt is a durable material resistant to environmental stresses that cause premature failure of other paving materials. However, asphalt can be damaged by many factors, including traffic, harsh conditions, and poor maintenance. When damaged, asphalt becomes more susceptible to potholes and cracking. As a result, damaged asphalt poses many hazards, including an increased risk of accidents and injury, risk of damage to vehicles, and a reduction in the pavement’s lifetime.
Additionally, a poorly maintained surface can result in a decrease in the aesthetic appeal of the asphalt. When debris gets stuck in cracks or potholes, there are stains on the surface, and the pavement is worn, the paved area looks unattractive. This is especially harmful to business owners who rely on “curb appeal,” which is the exterior of a building looking professional and welcoming to encourage people to enter a business.
What to Look for When Inspecting Asphalt Pavement
While a visual inspection is often sufficient to determine if the asphalt is in good condition, it is essential to look further for potential signs of damage. If the pavement has signs of wear, consider performing a more thorough inspection. Look for the following:
- Potholes:
- Potholes are formed when the road surface is broken and filled with water and debris. If the asphalt has potholes, it is essential to evaluate the condition of the surface, particularly the areas around the potholes.
- Cracks:
- When the asphalt is damaged, it can become spongy and crack under pressure. The asphalt can be hazardous to pedestrians and drivers when the cracks widen. Waste, organic materials, or even small insects can get inside these cracks and lower aesthetic appeal.
- Slippage:
- Slippage is a specific type of cracking where the cracks in the asphalt are crescent in shape and typically pointed toward the direction of traffic. These cracks often appear at intersections, bus stops, or places where drivers brake and turn their wheels sharply. When a low-strength surface mix is used instead of a higher-quality mix, slippage is especially common.
- Noise:
- The asphalt is typically silent, but if there is a significant amount of noise from the surface, the asphalt is likely damaged somehow.
Regular Asphalt Maintenance Activities
- Routine washing:
- Washing an asphalt surface has several benefits, including aesthetic appeal and longevity. Although asphalt is strong, using a pressure washer without care and planning could damage your surface. First, you should clear off any debris. If there are any oil or other stains on the pavement, you should treat these with a degreaser suitable for asphalt. Then, you’re ready to carefully wash the asphalt with a pressure washer on the lowest setting or by a method recommended by an asphalt contractor.
- Routine sealing:
- Sealant applications help protect the surface by reducing the risk of water penetration, increasing the surface’s lifespan, and protecting the asphalt from harsh elements.
Choosing an Asphalt Maintenance Contractor
While it is crucial to determine the cause of any damage to the surface and address the issue, selecting an asphalt maintenance contractor with the experience and equipment to address the problem is also essential. A good contractor will be well-versed in the proper techniques for fixing the issue and have appropriate equipment.
Selecting an asphalt maintenance contractor with a proven track record with local projects around your area is also vital. You can check online reviews to see the experience that other customers had with their projects. You should also visit the contractor’s website to ensure they can take on the type of project you have in mind, whether it be new pavement, routine asphalt maintenance, etc.
Leritz Busy Bee Is Ready for Your Asphalt Needs
At Leritz Busy Bee, we know all things asphalt and paving. We are experts in our field and have decades of experience that we bring to every project we’re involved with. Our team is ready to work with you on new pavement projects, asphalt maintenance, and municipal asphalt projects. Contact us today!