Asphalt driveways are a durable solution for parking lots and roads. However, they can be prone to damage if not treated properly. No matter what material is, every driveway needs proper maintenance.
Just like a public road, your asphalt driveways succumb to forces that cause them to crack and crumble. However, with regular maintenance, you can prevent such damages. Asphalt is a material that you can repair easily. You will only need some patchwork or a layer to install the same material.
Let’s go through the common causes of the damage of asphalt driveways and how to prevent it.
The common causes of damage to asphalt driveways:
- Water damage: Asphalt is a reliable surface that can withstand the Australian winters. However, an excessive amount of water can lead to huge damage. This happens when there are cracks and uneven surfaces. This moisture can weaken the pavement and cause damage to the surface.
- Tree roots: Roots also cause damage to driveways. When the tree roots start expanding underneath, it can lead to cracks as it pushes the surface up. Once this starts, you will see bumps and dips, which lead to even more water pooling.
- Overloading: Asphalt is only made to hold a limited amount of load. Parking heavy vehicles on the driveways can cause extensive damage to the asphalt surface.
- Poor installation: Poor installation of the material can cause premature wear and tear. To prevent this, make sure to hire a professional to install the asphalt for you.
- Base erosion: Typically, the underground soil erodes when water concentrates into small channels. The erosion of base soil leads to driveway damage, leaving it empty underneath. It also causes cracks and dips.
How to prevent this damage?
- Proper installation: A poor installation of any material is the one of the main causes of driveway damage. If the asphalt is not installed properly, then it will show signs of wear and tear prematurely. So, ensure that it’s properly installed and the ground is properly prepared by a reputable asphalt layer.
- Limit excessive weight: When the surface of asphalt driveways is overloaded with excess weight, it can start to give in. It will start breaking the surface, preventing you from having a smooth driveway. It is best to limit the weight you put on your asphalt.
- Don’t plant trees with large root systems: As stated above, tree roots can cause damage to driveways by expanding underneath it. However, small plants do not cause such problems. If you have a tree with a large root system, then remove that tree from the site.
- Fill cracks and repair potholes: Cracks and potholes make your drive surface brittle and it leads to water pooling. Once the water gets its way into cracks, then it weakens the base. Repair cracked potholes as soon as you can.
- Ensure proper drainage: The life expectancy of your asphalt needs protection from water damage. Ensure that your driveway has appropriate drainage so that it won't absorb it. Otherwise, your asphalt will face cracks and debasement. This should be possible by constructing your driveway on a slope.
- Use a sealant: This is the most well-known technique for shielding your asphalt surface. Seal coating shields the asphalt from UV rays, snow and engine oil. Seal coating additionally keeps your driveway in a working condition for a longer period of time. By applying another seal coat, you can revive your ragged parking area or driveway, re-establishing that dim dark look of asphalt.
- Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance and care are needed for keeping up your asphalt driveways in the long run. It is best to address any problem like cracks and breakage quickly. Do necessary patchwork on these cracks and check for water damage.
- Driveway cleaning: Cleaning can prevent chipping and cracking. Regular cleaning and sweeping of your driveway will remove the debris, dirt and moisture.
