6 Do's and Don'ts for Your New Asphalt Driveway

If you have recently had your driveway repaved, you know that it is no small investment. When installed by a good contractor, a new asphalt driveway can last over 20 years with a little bit of good maintenance. Read through this list of dos and don'ts to keep your driveway looking like new for years to come.

Do Sealcoat Every Few Years

Sealcoating is the most important part of any good driveway maintenance routine, much like changing the oil of your car. A properly installed sealcoat adds a protective layer to the top of your driveway and restores its beautiful jet-black finish. Depending on your home's climate, a new sealcoat should be applied every 2-3 years.

Don't Drive on Freshly-Paved Asphalt for 24 Hours

After your new asphalt driveway has been installed, wait at least 24 hours before driving on it; 48-72 would be even better. After your paving contractor picks up and leaves, the asphalt surface is still soft and susceptible to the weight of vehicles.

Do Keep Your Driveway Clear of Snow & Water

Water, especially during the colder months, is one of asphalt's worse enemies. Since asphalt is a porous surface, water can penetrate it. During winter, this water constantly freezes, thaws, and freezes again, which can cause cracking in your driveway. Make sure your driveway has good drainage and always shovel immediately after snow storms to prevent cracks and potholes.

Don't Drive Close to the Edge

An asphalt driveway's weakest points are at the perimeter. Driving close the edge of the driveway puts an excessive amount of weight on a relatively weak area and very often leads to cracks. Keep your driveway in good condition for as long as possible by driving and parking in the middle of it.

Do Clean Up Spills Immediately

Few things are more damaging to an asphalt driveway than an oil spill. Oil can break down the chemical binder of asphalt cement and cause rapid deterioration, so it is best to clean up any spills immediately using dish soap, water, and a stiff-bristled brush.

Don't Park Your Car in the Exact Same Spot

Parking your car in the exact same spot on the driveway can cause low spots, especially in hot weather when the asphalt becomes softer. If you plan on leaving your car parked for several days, either place plywood under the wheels or move it a few feet every day to prevent it from leaving impressions.

If you are in need of a new driveway or just some routine crack-filling, look no further than Roccie's Asphalt. For almost 60 years, we have provided New York and Connecticut homeowners with high-quality paving jobs at an affordable rate; call us today for a free quote at 1-888-88ROCCIES.

How to Prevent Your Asphalt Driveway from Cracking

For every homeowner, the inevitable day will come when you spot a crack or two in your asphalt driveway. Unfortunately it is not a matter of if, but rather when your driveway will begin to break down and develop unsightly cracks. However, there are ways to prolong the process – use these four tips to keep your asphalt driveway fresh and smooth for as long as possible.

Hire a Good Contractor
A driveway is only as strong as its foundation, so make sure yours was installed to last. Attempting to cut costs by hiring a sub-standard contractor or attempting a DIY driveway installation usually has the opposite effect – you will save some money up front, but will quickly have to spend more on repairs or even a complete repaving.

Sealcoat as Needed
The key to great driveway maintenance is a good sealcoating routine. Sealcoating your driveway provides an additional layer of protection to prevent the sun, water, and other elements from deteriorating your asphalt's binding agent. Experts recommend sealcoating your driveway every 2-3 years to preserve it's strength and appearance.

Limit Excessive Weight
Asphalt is a very durable material, but it isn't unbreakable. How much weight your driveway can endure depends on its thickness, the material used, and several other factors, but err on the side of caution and avoid placing loads of more than 10,000 pounds on yours.

Fix Small Cracks
When you first notice a small crack in your driveway, take the time to fix it before it becomes a large crack. Use a leaf blower to remove the dirt and debris and fill the crack with an emulsion or silicone grade product that can be purchased at most hardware stores. For larger cracks call a professional.

A strong, dependable asphalt driveway is just a phone call away with Roccie's Paving. For over 50 years, we have provided Connecticut and New York residents with high-quality asphalt paving services at an affordable price. From the foundation to the top layer, we take our time with each step to ensure your driveway is built to last. Call us today for a free quote at 1-888-88ROCCIES.


Resources:
Angie's List

3 Keys to Maintaining an Asphalt Driveway

As soon as your freshly-laid asphalt driveway cools off, the aging process begins. From that moment, the sun, oil, water, salt and many other environmental elements slowly break down your driveway. Use these three tips to combat these factors and keep your asphalt pavement strong for years to come.

Sealcoat Every 2-3 Years

When it comes to maintenance, sealcoating your driveway is as essential as changing your car's oil. Sealcoating your asphalt can more than triple its lifespan by adding a protective layer to the top in order to keep out water, oil, and UV rays – all of which are damaging to your driveway. A fresh sealcoat will also restore fading asphalt to a deep black finish to keep it looking like new for decades.

Clean Oil Spills Immediately

If left unattended, oil spills can quickly deteriorate the integrity of your asphalt driveway. If you notice an oil spot on your driveway, clean it up immediately to prevent long-term damage. Oil spills can be cleaned with a bucket of water, some dish detergent, and a little bit of elbow grease. Scrub the soap into the oil spot with a brush and rinse with hot water – repeat this process until all traces of the stain are gone.

Keep Driveway Clear of Snow

If you live in an area where snowfall is common during the winter, make a conscious effort to promptly shovel your driveway after each storm. If left to sit, water from the snow can penetrate your driveway's surface. When the weather fluctuates, this water will repeatedly freeze and thaw, and eventually lead to cracks and potholes.

Roccie's Asphalt has been Connecticut's premier paving company for the past 50 years. Home and business owners alike have trusted us to provide them with high-quality asphalt pavings, sealcoating services, masonry, and more. If it has been more than three years since your last sealcoat, contact us for a free quote today at 1-888-88ROCCIES.