Every year the US produces $30 billion of asphalt.
Asphalt provides a durable, long lasting and reusable surface. There is no surprise that it is one of the most popular materials for commercial parking lots in the US.
To get the best out of your lot, you need to keep on top of maintenance.
Failing to seal your business parking lot or other pavement can leave it open to weathering, but sealing too frequently can cause issues of its own. So, how often should you seal your driveway?
Read on as we answer that question and provide essential maintenance tips to keep your pavement in top condition.
How Often Should You Seal Your Asphalt?
Sealcoating places an impermeable coating over your asphalt to protect it from wear and weathering. A correctly applied seal can more than double the lifespan of the pavement.
Resealing provides protection and gives a dark black color to the material, making it appear brand-new.
For the best protection, you want to reseal once every two to four years. Doing so too frequently can cause the coats to begin to peel, removing the protection it provides.
Correctly sealcoating will cover and fill any hairlines cracks in your asphalt and can fill cracks up to 1/8 inch. Any larger blemishes will need to be dealt with separately.
Essential Maintenance
As well as making sure that your asphalt is sealed, there are a number of other maintenance tasks you should be performing.
Cracks, potholes and even punctures in the surface will expose your asphalt to water damage.
As soon as you see a problem emerging, fill these with an asphalt filler. Don’t put this off. Even a small crack can grow into a serious problem.
Standing water will work its way down any fractures in your asphalt. Make sure to clear any standing water, and keep your drains clear of debris to stop it forming in the first place.
Seasonal Protection
Summer and winter both bring weather that can have an effect on asphalt.
Direct heat from the sun during the summer can soften the binder in your asphalt. Avoid parking in the same place every day, or using hand tools on the asphalt during the hot months.
Winter brings new challenges to asphalt maintenance. Snow can cause temperature changes to your surface, causing wear. Make sure you clear snow before it builds up. It may be tempting to try and melt the snow, but salt and harsh chemicals can also damage the surface over time.
A Beautiful Parking Lot for Years to Come
Next time someone asks “how often should you seal your asphalt,” you know the answer.
If you keep on top of sealing the surface and perform the other basic maintenance tasks, your business won’t need to replace the pavement for a very long time.
At NVM Paving and Concrete, we offer a number of asphalt services and can keep on top of your maintenance for you. Contact us to find out exactly what we can do to save your business money on asphalt maintenance.
