Concrete is hard and inflexible, prone to cracking, but asphalt pavement is flexible and more budget-friendly to provide you with a durable surface. However, when you choose asphalt pavement, you need to understand its unique needs so you can keep it looking well for years. Here are some tips for you to make sure your asphalt maintenance and repairs are successful with the right types of pavement management.
Know When to Complete Maintenance
The asphalt pavement on your property will age depending on several different factors, and it is your job as a homeowner to watch its condition and take action to request repair and maintenance when it is needed. If you live in a northern climate, for example, the winters will cause your asphalt to harden and it can crack when compressed upon by vehicle traffic. Then, if any moisture seeps into the cracks of and below the pavement, it can freeze when the temperature falls below 32 degrees F and expand, causing the cracks to expand and the pavement to heave from below.
When the asphalt begins to show cracks, it is recommended to seal them with the right type of asphalt filler. An asphalt professional can recommend treatment, or you can check a local home and garden store for a product. You will need to complete regular maintenance to your asphalt every three to five years, depending upon its wear and your climate.
Request the Right Resurface Process
Keeping an eye on your asphalt's condition is the key to preventing its failure. For example, when your asphalt shows cracks and its surface begins to lighten to a light gray, the asphalt's surface is drying out and can be sealed with an asphalt seal coat emulsion.
In another example, if your asphalt has had years of patching repairs over potholes and sunken areas this can leave your pavement very bumpy and uneven. A possible solution for this is asphalt milling repair services, which removes the top layer of asphalt and reveals a smooth surface that a new asphalt layer can be poured onto. Milling is also a great way to resurface your entire parking area or driveway without removing the entire thickness and base layer of your pavement.
Milling your asphalt's top layer off also provides your contractor a product they can recycle and put right back onto your pavement's surface. Once they have ground the asphalt into small aggregate, they can combine it with a hot tar emulsion and process it into new fresh recycled asphalt for your pavement.