Don’t Let Your Asphalt Fall Victim To Spring’s Worst

Key Takeaways:

• Inspect your asphalt for any cracks or damage that may have occurred over winter.
•  Clean any debris that may have accumulated on the pavement, such as leaves or branches.
• Seal any cracks or damage that you find in your asphalt. It will help to prevent further damage and extend the life of your pavement.
• Apply a fresh coat of sealant to your pavement if it looks worn or faded.
• Has your pavement been inspected by a professional every few years to ensure it is in good condition and does not need any repairs?
• 309 Paving Services offers seal coating services to customers in Morton, FL, and the surrounding areas.

Asphalt surfaces can take a beating during the winter. Salt, snow, and ice can quickly wear down even the most challenging surface. But as soon as spring arrives, it’s time to start thinking about how to get your asphalt back in shape. Depending on the condition of your pavement, you may need to reseal it, repair any cracks or potholes, or replace it entirely. 309 Paving Services will discuss what needs to be done for these maintenance tasks and help you plan for an asphalt-friendly spring!

Spring Asphalt Maintenance Tips: Reseal, Repair, or Replace?

1. Resealing

Resealing your asphalt is a preventative measure that can extend the life of your pavement and prevent small cracks and fissures from becoming larger, more expensive problems. Asphalt sealer is a barrier between your pavement and the elements, protecting it from the sun’s UV rays, water damage, and oil and gas spills.

When to Reseal

Asphalt resealing should be done every 2-3 years or as needed. If you find any cracks or other damage to your asphalt, it may be time to have it resealed. Resealing can help to prevent further damage and extend the life of your asphalt.

Also, read our blog to find out what time of year is best for sealcoating your asphalt pavement.

2. Repairing

If you have tiny cracks or fissures in your asphalt, repairing them is an excellent way to prevent further damage and extend the life of your pavement. Crack repair involves cleaning out the crack with a power washer or hose, then filling it with asphalt repair material. Fissure repair is similar but may also include sealing the fissure with an epoxy or polyurethane resin.

When to Repair

Asphalt repair should be done when damage first occurs. It can become irreparable if you wait too long to repair damaged asphalt. Asphalt repair is typically less expensive than replacement, so it is crucial to address damage as soon as possible.

3. Replacing

If the surface has extensive damage, it may be essential to replace your asphalt completely. This process involves removing the existing asphalt and replacing it with new asphalt. Asphalt replacement is typically more expensive than a repair, but it can be necessary if the damage is severe. It is typically only needed if large cracks, potholes, or sinkholes severely damage the pavement. Complete replacement can be costly, but it will give you a brand-new surface that should last many years.

When to Replace

Over time, asphalt surfaces will show signs of wear and tear caused by many factors, including weathering, vehicular traffic, and settling of the underlying substrate. As the surface begins to degrade, it will become more susceptible to cracking, potholes, and other forms of damage. When this happens, it is crucial to replace the asphalt surface to maintain a safe and functional driving surface.

A few factors will determine how often an asphalt surface will need to be replaced. The first is the amount of traffic the surface gets. A pavement that is constantly being used will need to be replaced more often than a surface that is not used as much. Additionally, the climate in which the asphalt is located will also play a role. Asphalt in sunny climates will degrade faster than in cooler zones.

A few indicators show if an asphalt surface needs to be replaced. One way is to look for cracks or potholes in the surface. Another way is to look for unevenness in the surface. If the surface is no longer smooth, it may be time to replace it.

Replacing an asphalt surface is tedious and should only be done by an experienced paving contractor. The first step is to remove the old asphalt surface. It can be done by either milling or excavating the area. Once the old asphalt has been removed, the site needs to be graded and compacted before new asphalt can be added.

4. Milling

Milling is another option for repairing damaged asphalt pavement. Milling involves removing the top layer of asphalt so that a new layer can be installed. It is typically only done for large projects, such as repaving a parking lot or roadway.

5. Overlaying

Overlaying is another option for repairing damaged asphalt pavement. Overlaying involves installing a fresh layer of asphalt over the previous surface. It is typically only done for small projects, such as repairing potholes or cracks in driveways.

6. Regular Maintenance

No matter what type of asphalt you have, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance to increase its life. Some simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself include sweeping away debris, removing oil stains, and filling cracks and fissures as soon as they appear. You should also have your asphalt professionally sealed every two to three years.

Click here to learn about asphalt maintenance effectiveness.

7. Routine Inspections

The most important thing to keep your asphalt in good shape is to perform routine inspections. Inspect your asphalt at least once a month, looking for cracks, potholes, or other damage. If you notice any problems, repair them as soon as possible.

8. Cleaning

Keeping your asphalt clean is essential, as dirt and debris can accelerate aging. Sweep or blow leaves and debris off your asphalt regularly and hose it down as needed.

9. Sealcoating

Sealcoating is a process in which a protective coating is applied to asphalt. This coating helps to protect the asphalt from solar ultraviolet rays. Sealcoating also helps fill in small cracks and pores, preventing water from seeping into the asphalt and causing damage. Sealcoating should be performed every two to three years.

10. Filling Cracks

If you notice any cracks in your asphalt, fill them as soon as possible. Cracks let water seep into the asphalt, which can cause it to deteriorate more quickly. Various products can fill gaps, including cold-pour crack fillers and hot-pour crack sealants.

11. Repairing Potholes

Potholes are another common problem that can occur in asphalt. They are caused by water seeping into the asphalt and freezing, expanding, and contracting over time. This process weakens the asphalt and causes it to break apart, forming a pothole. Potholes should be repaired promptly, as they can cause damage to vehicles if left unaddressed.

Need Asphalt Paving or Maintenance Services in Morton, FL?

Here at 309 Paving Services, we understand the importance of a well-paved driveway or parking lot. Not only does it look nicer and give your property an updated appearance, but it also helps keep things safe and functional. We offer a wide range of asphalt paving services to meet your needs, from repairs to complete installations. We have the experience and resources required to get the job done right, so contact us today for a free estimate on your next paving project in Morton, FL.

Posted in 309 Paving Services Blog | Comments Off on Don’t Let Your Asphalt Fall Victim To Spring’s Worst