How to maintain and repair your driveway to prevent costly damage
Cracking, erosion, puddles or surface depressions can present themselves with asphalt. They can result in unnecessary headaches if left for too long before repairs and regular maintenance.
When asphalt is exposed to various external factors such as change in temperature, storms and excess weight or high traffic, withering tends to occur. For this reason it is important to do an annual check over your driveway and look out for the early stages of following problems:
- Crocodile skin cracking
- Edge cracking
- Weed growth
- Oil Spots
- Potholes
New Asphalt Driveways:
If you have a new driveway, the early stages are the most important. Asphalt material needs time to cool, so allow a minimum of 3 days and up to 5 days before driving on your driveway as this is when it is the most vulnerable.
For the following 14 days if you can avoid parking on your driveway that is also ideal. If you must park on your driveway try to do so only during the coolest hours of the day or in the shade.
The next 100 days of the curing period are just as essential, as asphalt is an oil-based material the curing time is extensive. This is even more important in hotter weather which is significant in SEQLD.
A few examples of the care required for your driveway is to avoid turning your wheel when your car is not in motion. If you have a boat, camper or anything parked on your driveway for long periods of time, a great tip is to park it on some sheets of plywood to disperse the weight of each tyre to prevent any indentations.
Continued Driveway Care:
If you have an older driveway, make it a priority to regularly check over and maintain your driveway as it can save you costly repairs down the track.
- Repairing any issues early is important, this can be done with simple bunnings products or through your trusted asphalt repair company.
- Prevent and eliminate standing water as water can create potholes if it is regularly occurring.
- Protect water eroding the edges. The edges are the weakest point of your driveway. Edging, spoon drains and even building up soil and grass growth (beside asphalt, not through or over) are all great ways to prevent damage to the edges of your driveway.
- Grass growth of any kind over edges or through asphalt need to be regularly sprayed as this will continue to deteriorate the structure of your driveway. Weed killer along driveway edges as often as needed is highly recommended.
- Ensure you have sufficient drainage. Water flow and soakage underneath asphalt is one of the fastest ways to create a very costly driveway repair. If you are concerned, speak to your local drainage company for advice.
- If you have significant water flow down the sides of your driveway, spoons drains and large drainage metal/stone are very cost effective ways to allow water to flow in a natural course without causing erosion to your driveway edges.
- Always prevent Oil, chemical, petrol/diesel spills on asphalt as they will create fast erosion. Attend to the spills immediately and clean up thoroughly if they occur.
If you have any questions or need advice on your driveway repairs, feel free to give us a call and chat about your options which include a free quote.
James 0473 963 007
