VISUAL INSPECTION
When winter finally ends it’s time to evaluate the damage done. Once spring finally arrives and all the snow is melted, thoroughly check for any potholes, faded paint, oil stains, heaving and cracks in the driveway. Patch and fill in any low areas you find on your driveway, and repair any cracks. Also, you can pull away weeds along the edge of the driveway, and clean up the edges with an edging tool to keep it looking clean. Any problem areas should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage or an injury.
SEALCOATING
Sealcoating is a very important step in the maintenance of your driveway. This should be done at least every two to three years. It’s your best insurance against future costly repairs. Not only does it make your pavement look brand new it guards the asphalt from the sun, ice, salt, oils, and anything else that can cause damage to your driveway. Spring is the perfect time for sealcoating and without it; your asphalt will turn grey, dry, brittle, and lose its elasticity.
KEEPING YOUR DRIVEWAY CLEAN
Regular cleaning can be a huge benefit to the lifespan of your driveway. Sweeping away any rocks, leaves and dirt will not only make your driveway appear nicer it will help prevent build-up that can cause future problems. In order to keep your asphalt in shape, you need to take care of all its aspects. Drains are very important as well. We have already determined that water damage can be disastrous for your driveway. Clean clogged drains or fix them if they need repair to avoid areas of ponding or standing water.
POTHOLE FILLING
Unable to hire someone to fill your potholes? Well, you can use these simple steps to do it yourself. Begin by clearing all the loose pieces around the edge using a hammer and chisel, or an old screwdriver, and square up the edges. Top up the hole to a 2-inch depth with coarse gravel and sand, and tamp it down firmly with a 4 by 4. Finish the asphalt repair by pouring in cold patch and tamping down.
EDGING
Damage starts to creep in no matter what you have bordering your driveway. If you have lawn or flower beds, grass and weeds find the strength to start making inroads and cracking the edges. To fix this problem start by edging any connected lawn, and clearing a one- to two-inch border. Weed your flower beds, and make sure enduring plants aren’t getting too close. With curbs and gravel, you can do a quick, permanent kill by pouring vinegar to kill the plants.
WHY YOU SHOULD REPAIR YOUR DRIVEWAY
It prevents problems from becoming worse. Cracks allow water to seep into the asphalt and the substrate, where it weakens the structure from underneath. Have the cracks fixed as soon as possible. Continued traffic puts continued stress on the now poorly supported asphalt, and the structure collapses resulting in a pothole. Potholes are not only unsightly but dangerous. Take action and repair your driveway today!