As the weather begins to warm up, it’s time to do some spring asphalt maintenance in order to ensure that your asphalt stays in good condition for years to come. The cold winter months can seriously impact your asphalt, causing damages such as cracks, potholes, and erosion. By staying on top of any damages as they form and by conducting regular maintenance, you can prevent costly repairs in the future. Here are six useful spring asphalt maintenance tips you can utilize in order to extend your asphalt’s lifespan and keep it looking and performing its best.
#1. Inspect Your Asphalt
Once the snow’s begun to melt away and the weather’s more pleasant, it’s time to conduct a thorough inspection of your asphalt. Snow can cover up damage in addition to causing it. When your pavement is clear, you’ll want to take a walk around and note any cracks, sinking, potholes, faded paint, debris, and discoloration. In order to figure out the work you need to do, you’ll want to mark down anything amiss, both seemingly insignificant and those that immediately jump out as a problem.
A minor crack can turn into a major repair job if left alone. Loose rocks create a tripping hazard that can make you liable in a personal injury lawsuit. A run-down looking parking lot conveys to customers that you don’t care to keep your property in good condition, lowering their opinion of you.
A good, thorough inspection will help you identify what you’ll need to tackle in your spring asphalt maintenance. If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for or whether or not something’s a problem, a professional can come out and do your inspection for you.
#2. Clean It
Everything benefits from regular cleaning, and asphalt is no different. Snow can leave debris behind, which both lowers its aesthetic appeal and can cause damage. A buildup of debris can prevent your pavement from draining properly. Salt left over from trying to stave off ice will need to be cleared away. Plus, spring brings with it grass and weeds that try to grow through your asphalt’s surface and through any cracks. These can weaken it, making it more prone to damage.
You’ll want to clear away any debris and weeds. You can also add a curb to your asphalt in order to discourage plant growth. This is another part of spring asphalt maintenance that you can hire professionals to do for you if you do not want to to it yourself.
#3. Touch Up Your Paint
Cold, wet weather can make your paint fade. Spring’s an ideal time to touch up your paint and clear up your parking lot line striping. You don’t want it to be difficult for drivers to tell where they can and cannot go. Touching up your paint as part of your spring asphalt maintenance will both make it easier to navigate your pavement and make it look so much nicer and cleaner.
#4. Repair Cracks And Potholes
Left alone, cracks and potholes won’t just stay as they are, but will continue to worsen. These can cause severe damage to your asphalt, and can cause problems for people and their cars. If you notice any cracks or potholes in your pavement, it’s essential to have them repaired as soon as possible in order to prevent them from causing further damage.
#5. Use A Sealant
A sealant protects your asphalt from water damage. It’s a good idea to have your parking lot sealed as part of your spring asphalt maintenance, given that it’s a job for warmer months. It’s generally recommended that you seal your asphalt every 3-5 years. Sealcoating both prevents damage and makes maintenance easier. As such, it can extend your asphalt’s lifespan by years.
If your asphalt is due for a fresh sealing, you’ll want to hire a professional for the job. It’s complex, requiring a lot of skill and the proper equipment in order to do it correctly. Precision Asphalt Maintenance will be able to do it for you.
#6. Have Professional Maintenance Done
There’s only so much you can do yourself. Professional spring asphalt maintenance is one of the best things you can do in order to ensure that your asphalt stays in good condition for years to come. Professionals offer a wide variety of services designed to repair and improve your asphalt. With their skill and know-how, they can significantly increase your asphalt’s lifespan.
Do You Need Spring Asphalt Maintenance?
Precision Asphalt Maintenance offers professional asphalt maintenance services. If your asphalt needs repairs or maintenance, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your service, and let us help you keep your property in stellar condition for years to come!