3 Types Of Repairs That Will Keep Your Asphalt Driveway In Good Condition

Asphalt is one of the most common materials used on driveways because of its convenience and affordability. You can design your driveway to fit many different themes, and the material can last for a long time with proper repairs and maintenance. Asphalt driveways will require proper sealing, paving and drainage to remain in good condition.

Here are three common types of repairs that will be necessary for the proper maintenance of your asphalt driveway.

1. Cracks and sealant breakage

Asphalt is made of small porous particles that may allow water (and other liquids) to sip through. Water particles expand and contract to loosen your asphalt layer from within. Over time, the pavement and underlying layers may end up deteriorating and affecting the overall design of your driveway. This is why fixing cracks and getting a proper sealant is important.

Cracks can be repaired using special bonding materials that fill in loose spaces to create a tight fit. These materials are also impervious to water and can help you avoid damage arising from seasonal weather fluctuations. The earlier you fix a cracked driveway; the easier repairs will be. What may start as a small crack could spread across the surface and underlying layers to form extensive damage.

Sealing your driveway will also help you prevent further damage down the road. Sealants fill gaps inside your asphalt and restrict the movement of water into sublayers. Sealants also cover the surface of your driveway, creating an impervious and often stylish layer outside your home. Indeed, there are sealants that reflect sunlight in unique ways to radiate a specific theme.

2. Drainage complications

Any driveway should have proper drainage so as to limit the damaging effects of stagnant pools of water. When pools of water accumulate on your asphalt driveway, they can wear out your sealant and penetrate into sublayers. This could eventually cause disintegration of the pavement. Ideally, your driveway should have a smoothly sloping gradient to ensure adequate surface runoff.

In cases where inclement weather occurs (such as storms) or nearby drains are clogged, regular drainage services will be critical. Concrete contractors can help you alter the gradient of your asphalt driveway or construct drainage solutions to hold excess water.   

3. Repaving

If your asphalt driveway is old or extensively damaged, you should consider having it repaved. Repaving is a useful technique for restoring or repairing driveways. The process includes removing damaged sections, selecting the proper grade of materials and applying a fresh layer of asphalt onto affected surfaces. Repaving may also include the addition of fresh sealant for water protection or even a full depth replacement to ensure optimal drainage.

For more information, contact an asphalt driveway service.