Asphalt paving is as great of an investment for home driveways as it is for commercial parking areas. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't know what to do about their asphalt driveway once it's been installed. This can often lead to damage and premature wear that proves costly in the long run. When you understand the indications that your asphalt driveway needs attention, you can reach out to a paving contractor and preserve its integrity. Here are some of the things you need to watch for.
Sun Fading
When your asphalt driveway is first installed, you'll find that the color is a deep, rich, dark asphalt color. Over time, the sun's ultraviolet rays can deteriorate the surface of the asphalt and cause it to fade. Unfortunately, this doesn't just strip away color. It also affects the structural integrity of the asphalt. Your asphalt driveway can weaken, increasing the risk of cracks and crumbling. You can avoid this by scheduling routine sealcoating every couple of years to preserve the driveway's surface.
Standing Water
Any time you have a drainage issue on your driveway, that's a serious concern. Asphalt will crumble under standing water, leading to cracks, frost heaves, and other more serious problems. If you notice standing water on your driveway on a consistent basis, you should call your asphalt paving contractor to see about any adjustments that can be made to facilitate drainage.
Cracks Or Holes
You might think that cracks and holes are just an inevitability with an asphalt parking lot, but they don't have to be. If you start to see any signs of cracking or visible holes in your driveway's asphalt, you should call your asphalt contractor right away. Many times, this type of damage occurs because of either excessive stress on the surface of the driveway or insufficient support underneath. If the sublayers built up beneath your driveway are eroding or shifting, it can lead to cracks and holes in the asphalt. Your asphalt paving contractor can assess the situation and help you determine whether you need to reinforce the foundation of your driveway or if it just needs a surface repair.
These are some of the most important issues to watch for with your asphalt driveway. Don't neglect that asphalt coating and think that it's self-sustaining after application. Instead, work with a local asphalt paving contractor to establish the necessary care and maintenance to keep your driveway looking its best and staying structurally sound.