Did you know that the first true asphalt pavement was laid out in front of the city hall in Newark by a Belgian chemist in 1870? And while back then asphalt maintenance wasn’t emphasized as much as it is today, you can bet they could have used it.
That skid-resistant surface needs regular maintenance to ensure that you reap its benefits all year round. That’s why we’ve written this article to walk you through a complete asphalt maintenance checklist and help you stay on top of your game.
Let’s get started!
1. Pay Attention to Sealcoating
Extend the lifespan of your asphalt pavement by sealcoating it every two to three years. If it’s been a while since you’ve sealcoated yours, make sure to call a professional and get it done this spring.
Spring is a particularly good time to get this done because rainfall is low, and the weather is generally dry.
2. A Quick Cleaning
Over time, debris and other substances can compromise the lifespan of the asphalt. Make sure you clean your pavement frequently to prevent damage from external substances over time.
However, while cleaning is an essential element of asphalt maintenance in the spring, be sure to make it a practice for every season.
3. An Inspection for Tripping Hazards
A visual inspection is an important step in your spring maintenance checklist. However, you should know what to keep an eye out for.
Your main enemies include cracks and signs of distress. A small crack can quickly grow into a bigger one and lead to structural weakness over time, especially when exposed to rain or snow.
Once you’ve examined your pavement, make sure to follow through on fixing the little nooks and crannies you find.
4. Fixing Faded Markers
If you have markers on your pavement, you’ll notice that these begin to fade over time. This generally looks unappealing to visitors, especially if you’re a business. Spring is a good time to restripe these fading markers and ensure all your signs are clearly visible and well represented.
Invest in quality paint now, and your pavement will thank you later!
5. Weeding and Clearing Vegetation
Grass and weeds make your pavement more susceptible to developing cracks and losing structural integrity. Take some time to weed out your pavement and remove any invasive plants that sneaked their way in.
The combination of growing weeds and a rainy day is your pavement’s worst nightmare.
Asphalt Maintenance Made Easy
In a nutshell, your asphalt maintenance checklist should include sealcoating (if you haven’t done it for over two years), a cleaning, a visual inspection, repainting faded markers, and clearing out weeds. Do it right, and you’ll be saving a lot of money in the long run.
Need an extra hand? Talk to an asphalt paving contractor today.
Give our experts at Asphalt Surfacing, Inc. a call and get the help you need with your pavement, parking lot, and driveway in the Bay Area!
