The 3 Golden Rules of Asphalt Maintenance

Whether you are talking about your home's driveway or a commercial parking lot, asphalt paving is a big investment. Nobody wants to pay to have their driveway repaved every five years, so follow these three rules to make your asphalt last for decades!

Rule #1: Prevent water from pooling on your asphalt surface.

Water seems like no big deal, but it is actually one of asphalt's biggest enemies. When water collects on a driveway or parking lot, it can penetrate the surface of the asphalt and infiltrate the base. This water freezes during the colder months, causing it to expand and create cracks and potholes. If you notice water pooling on your driveway, call a professional to discuss drainage solutions.

Rule #2: Clean all oil and gas spills immediately.

Oil and gas spills aren't just unsightly, they are dangerous to your driveway. Much like water can penetrate an asphalt surface, oil and gas can break down the cement's binding agent, causing premature deterioration. If you spill oil on your driveway, scrub it off immediately using a mixture of water and dish detergent.

Rule #3: Apply a fresh sealcoat every 3-5 years.

Sealcoating is a staple in any asphalt maintenance routine. A fresh sealcoat adds an extra layer of defense to the surface of your driveway – helping protect it from water, oil, and the sun's ultraviolet rays. Sealcoating also restores the deep black color of your asphalt and can even patch small cracks. When you consider that sealcoating can often be applied for mere pennies per square foot, it is easy to see why it is such a smart investment!

When it comes to maintaining your asphalt surface, nobody knows more than the experts at Roccie's Asphalt. As southwestern Connecticut's premier paving contractor, don't trust anyone but us for your next driveway installation, repair, or sealcoating. If you live in Fairfield County, Connecticut or Westchester County, New York, call us for a free estimate at 888-88-ROCCIES.

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.