Facts and Fun: Pavement Edition

Posted on: 28 July 2021

Your asphalt pavement is exposed to all types of weather events and traffic all year round. Here are some recommendations to help you through your asphalt pavement maintenance to keep it looking its best.

Clean Up After Debris

Spring growth can put your asphalt pavement at risk within any cracks when seeds get the chance to germinate. Keep the cracks free from dirt and vegetation growth. Then, be sure you patch up any cracks during the spring before germination has a chance to start. 

Fall and winter debris mainly consists of leaves and other landscaping that are dead and loose by the winter winds. Clear these off in the fall before snow and ice trap them in the asphalt. This can cause water absorption to seep into the pavement over the winter and cause damage to its layers, the foundation, and the surface coating. Then, snow and ice can build up within the small cracks over the surface of your pavement. Pressure wash and sweep to keep the surface of the asphalt clean. Then, follow up any repairs and oxidation to the surface of your asphalt with a seal coat treatment.

Watch For Standing Water

Just as dirt and debris over the surface of your asphalt can cause damage, standing water will cause similar types of damage. Water that is allowed to pool in sunken spots on your pavement will penetrate into small cracks, further widening them and causing erosion to the pavement's foundation. Your asphalt should not contain any low spots or areas that are not level, and if they have occurred it is because the asphalt was installed improperly. 

Sunken spots need to be remedied with a repair of the asphalt's pavement layers. Then, with a solid surface and level elevation of your pavement, you can depend on rainfall and sprinklers to drain off the sides of your pavement. This can be further protected with a layer of seal coat emulsion protection.

Seal Regularly For Protection

Seal coat asphalt treatment provides several benefits to your pavement. The barrier of protection it provides will contribute to the surface's moisture resistance and help it with drainage and runoff after storms. A seal coat also seals up any cracks that are visible and invisible to your eyes, protecting them against further cracking and deterioration. Because cracks can put your asphalt at risk of extreme damage, seal coating is a type of protection that seals its surface and makes it look attractive at the same time.

For more information about asphalt seal coating, contact a local contractor near you to learn more.