If you are like most homeowners, you want to protect the value of your property. One aspect of any property’s perceived value is its curb appeal, and your driveway can either boost or detract from your curb appeal. Whether you need a standard suburban driveway to access your garage, a sweeping circular drive, or something in between, you might want to consider asphalt for your driveway paving project.
What Are the Advantages of Asphalt Driveway Paving?
An asphalt driveway is economical to install, and work can be completed quickly. This allows you to begin using your new driveway within just a couple of days. A little routine care can help ensure that your asphalt driveway serves you well for many years to come. In addition, the luxurious color of asphalt paving can substantially boost your home’s curb appeal.
What Routine Care Does an Asphalt Driveway Need?
If you want to keep your new asphalt driveway in good condition, there are a few things you can do.
- Sealcoat your driveway after the new asphalt has cured. Depending on the type of asphalt mix, the thickness of the pavement, and the weather, this can take between two and six months. Do not wait longer than a year, however.
- After your initial sealcoating, reapply it periodically. Most driveways need a new sealcoating application about every three years, but your schedule could be different.
- If cracks develop, have them repaired as soon as possible. Open cracks lead to water infiltration, and water infiltration leads to base damage that can be so severe that you will need to rebuild your driveway.
- Keep downspouts pointed away from your driveway. Adjust sprinklers so that they do not water your pavement.
- Do not allow weeds or grass to grow too close to the edges of your driveway. After edging your driveway, be sure to remove any clippings from the pavement.
- Vehicle fluid spills and leaks need to be sopped up, then scrubbed to remove them. Automotive fluids can leave soft spots in your driveway.
- Keep in mind that your driveway will need extra attention during its first few months of life.
What Extra Attention Does New Asphalt Driveway Paving Need During Its Early Life?
Your asphalt will continue to cure even after you can start driving on it. A little bit of extra care during this period can pay off in the coming years.
- Do not get into a rush to start parking or driving on your new pavement. All reputable contractors advise their customer on the recommended waiting time.
- Do not allow bicycle or motorcycle kickstands to gouge your pavement. The tongues on boat trailers and campers can also leave indentations. If you have no alternative, place a piece of plywood for the stand or tongue to rest on.
- Keep garbage trucks, RVs, and other heavy vehicles off your new driveway.
- Avoid turning your steering wheel while your car is stationary.
- During the first few days, try to park your car in a slightly different spot every time. Do not leave cars stationary for more than a day or so.
Driveway paving is just one of the many services offered by RDC Paving. We also offer asphalt overlays and paving, sealcoating, asphalt crack repairs, asphalt milling, and asphalt repairs. In addition, we offer parking lot striping, parking lot maintenance, concrete repair, ADA concrete, and the installation of concrete curbs, driveways, parking lots, ramps, and sidewalks. We have earned an exceptional reputation by consistently striving to exceed every customer’s expectations on every project. Contact us for a free quote by submitting our online request form, or, if you would rather call us, you can reach us at 512-920-9155.