So, let me share some hard-earned wisdom (and a few mistakes I’ve learned from) about how to keep that asphalt looking and performing like new.
1. Sealcoat Like Your Driveway’s Life Depends on It (Because It Does)
I’ll be straight with you—if you’re not sealing your driveway every couple of years, you’re just asking for trouble. Asphalt is porous, which means water, UV rays, and chemicals seep in and break it down over time. Sealcoating adds a protective layer that keeps all the nasty stuff out.
I once had a client who called me in a panic because her brand-new driveway started cracking after just two years. Turns out, she skipped the sealcoat because her neighbor told her it was unnecessary. That neighbor? Yeah, his driveway looked like an abandoned road in the middle of nowhere. Moral of the story: seal your asphalt, folks.
2. Water is Your Driveway’s Worst Enemy
If you let water pool on your driveway, you might as well be inviting cracks and potholes to a party. Water gets into the tiny pores of the asphalt, freezes in winter, and expands. Next thing you know, your once-smooth driveway is a patchwork of cracks and crumbles.
Make sure your driveway has proper drainage. I always recommend a slight slope to let water run off, and if you have any low spots where puddles form, get them filled in ASAP. Don’t wait until you have a crater in front of your house.
3. Fix Small Cracks Before They Become Big Problems
A tiny crack today can turn into a pothole next season. I tell my customers all the time: the moment you see a crack, fill it. There are plenty of good crack fillers out there that are easy to apply. I had a buddy who ignored a few hairline cracks, thinking they were no big deal. Fast forward a year, and he had to shell out thousands for a full resurface job. Don’t be like my buddy.
4. Keep Heavy Loads Off Your Driveway
I know your cousin’s moving and he wants to park his fully loaded box truck on your driveway, but don’t let him. Asphalt is strong, but it’s not indestructible. Heavy vehicles can cause depressions and cracks, especially in hot weather.
If you need to park something heavy, try spreading the weight out using plywood under the tires. It’s a simple trick that saves you a lot of headaches down the line.
5. Watch Out for Oil and Gas Spills
Your car leaks. Don’t try to tell me it doesn’t, because I’ve been around enough driveways to know better. Oil, gas, and other automotive fluids break down asphalt over time, turning it into a crumbly mess. Clean spills up as soon as you see them. I’ve seen driveways ruined because someone let an oil spot sit for years, thinking it was just a cosmetic issue. Trust me, it’s not.
6. Avoid Using Sharp Tools in the Winter
When winter hits, you’ll want to be careful with how you remove snow. Metal shovels and snowplows with sharp edges can gouge your asphalt and speed up its deterioration. I always tell homeowners to use plastic shovels or rubber-edged snowplows to keep the surface intact.
A customer of mine ignored this advice and went at his driveway with a steel shovel like he was digging for buried treasure. By spring, his driveway looked like it had been through a battle. Learn from his mistake.
7. Know When It’s Time for Professional Help
Look, I get it—DIY is great, and I respect anyone who wants to take care of their own driveway. But sometimes, it pays to call in a pro. If your asphalt is starting to look like a jigsaw puzzle, resurfacing or repaving might be your best bet.
A good contractor (like yours truly) will be honest about whether you need a full replacement or if repairs will do the trick. Don’t wait until your driveway is a disaster before you ask for help.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your asphalt driveway isn’t rocket science—it just takes a little effort and common sense. Seal it, keep water off it, fix cracks early, and don’t abuse it with heavy loads or chemicals. Follow these tips, and your driveway will last years longer than your neighbor’s (and you’ll get to be the one giving them advice for a change).
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some paving to do!
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