A Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist for Your Asphalt Driveway

Did you know that an asphalt driveway can last upwards of 25 years with proper upkeep? A poorly-maintained driveway, on the other hand, may not even last ten years. Since repaving projects aren't cheap, it is important to take good care of your driveway in order to maximize your investment.

Follow this maintenance checklist from the experts at Roccie's Asphalt to keep your driveway in tip-top shape for years to come:

• Sweep away leaves and debris every week. Leaves, grass clippings, and other debris can cause uneven fading. Sweep them away with a push broom and wash down your driveway with a garden hose to clear off stubborn debris.
   
• Clean up all oil and gas spills immediately. Oil and gas spills can break down the binding agent in your driveway, causing premature deterioration. Clean up all spills immediately using a stiff-bristled brush and a solution of warm water and dish soap.
  
  
• Keep an eye out for drainage problems. Believe it or not, water is one of asphalt's biggest enemies. If you notice puddling in your driveway after each rainfall, contact a paving contractor to discuss drainage solutions.

• Patch cracks and potholes as they form. A small crack or pothole in your driveway can quickly turn into a big problem if it is not fixed. It's much easier (and cheaper) to fill a small crack than paying to get your driveway professionally resurfaced. 
   
• Apply a fresh sealcoat every 3-5 years. Sealcoating adds an extra layer of defense to your driveway, helping to protect it against water, gas spills, and ultraviolet rays. For best results, sealcoat your driveway every 3-5 years.

If you live in Fairfield County CT or Westchester County NY, trust the experts at Roccie's Asphalt to help you maintain a pristine driveway. Call us for all of your asphalt paving, repair, sealcoating, and maintenance needs at 888-88-ROCCIES.

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.

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.