Why You Should Know Blacktop Driveways

Investing in a new asphalt driveway can improve your home’s curb appeal and increase your property value. It can also make your home more appealing to buyers because of its durability. If you live in a region where asphalt is rarely used, you can choose a cheaper alternative, such as gravel.

Invest in a Blacktop Driveway

Asphalt repairs can be simple and blend seamlessly with the existing driveway. And if you’re worried about the environmental impact of a driveway made of asphalt, consider installing recycled asphalt. This is the most cost-effective option and will also reduce the amount of asphalt in the landfill.

Seal It

If your driveway is blacktop, like those blacktop driveways South Bend IN, consider sealing it. Sealcoating requires a certain level of patience and preparation. It can take a full day to complete the job. The process usually involves applying two coats of sealant to the driveway, allowing eight hours between coats. Try to do the sealing on days when the temperature is above forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Before applying sealant, it is a good idea to power wash the driveway.

If you plan to seal your blacktop driveway, you should do so within the first year of installation.  So don’t hesitate to contact a Minneapolis asphalt paving contractor, or any similar company in your area, before problems arise. This is because blacktop driveways are susceptible to cracking and require a sealer if they last for many years.

The exact time to seal your blacktop driveway depends on the weather, daytime temperature, and other factors. Generally, you should seal your driveway every one to three years. Remember that the sealer will wear off over time due to weather, chemicals, and traffic. If you wait until your driveway is cracked, you’ll have to pay for a blacktop repair.

Water It

Blacktop driveways can suffer from the same problems as asphalt. Asphalt is prone to softening in hot weather, while it becomes hard in cooler temperatures. However, watering the driveway can make it harden temporarily. It can also help keep your driveway from developing potholes. Additionally, watering it will help reduce the formation of soapsuds, a chemical reaction between diesel fuel in asphalt and chlorine in city water.

If your driveway has water puddles, it may be due to inadequate drainage. A lack of drainage will cause water to accumulate and cause damage to the pavement. Over time, water will cause cracks, discoloration, and a worn-out appearance. To prevent this, you can reposition downspouts to direct water away from the driveway surface.

Avoid Driving on the Edges

Driveway edges are the weakest parts of an asphalt driveway, so be careful not to drive on them. If you do, you can cause cracking and other problems, including side support issues. If you must drive on the edges, place plywood under your car’s tires and tongue jacks.

Immediately clean up any spills. Oil, fuel, or other chemicals can cause the asphalt to sag and become more susceptible to water intrusion. Driveways are most susceptible to damage on their edges, so they must be reinforced to prevent these issues. Crack filler can be purchased at local building supply stores.

Repair Potholes

There are two main ways to repair potholes on blacktop driveways. You can either fill in the potholes or apply a sealant. Depending on the condition of your blacktop driveway, you may not need to make any initial repairs. The sealing process is a preventative maintenance step.

While it is possible to use hot asphalt, the average do-it-yourselfer must have the necessary equipment. Furthermore, working with hot asphalt can be dangerous. Thankfully, there are other ways to repair potholes. One option is to use a cold asphalt patch, which is easier to work with and can last longer than hot asphalt.

Sometimes, a crack in an asphalt driveway may be a weed-filled crack. While these cracks aren’t severe enough to be considered potholes, they can turn into large holes if left untreated. In addition, repairing potholes can help prevent your driveway from crumbling. With this, when dealing with potholes, the most reliable solution can be found through Infinity Asphalt you can visit their website, where they offer specialized expertise in repairing road imperfections.