Tips to Preventing Unnecessary Asphalt Repairs on Your Driveway
Most homeowners tend to overlook the condition of their driveways. Once the asphalt has been laid and set, not many will give a second through to keeping it well maintained as they expect it to withstand all the stress and exposure to the elements. However, driveways are not immune to wear and tear. Neglecting your driveway is a sure fire way of ensuring you have to embark on costly asphalt repairs on a regular basis. Here are some handy tips to preventing unnecessary asphalt repairs on your driveway.
Be mindful of your driveway's edges
The first step to keeping your driveway well maintained would be by ensuring that its edges are well supported. One of the ways of doing this is by placing stones or some hard-packed dirt on its sides. This support works toward keeping the driveway edges firm, hence reducing the risk of cracks forming. Another thing to be mindful when caring for your driveway's edges is ensuring there are no trees or shrubbery that are growing in close proximity to it. This is because over time, the roots may begin to encroach onto the base of the driveway, thus increasing the risk of ruining its foundation. This leads to buckling and you may have to replace the driveway in its entirety. Lastly, when driving on the surface of the driveway, do not drive over its edges, as this will put it at risk of fracturing.
Be mindful of what is parked and placed on the driveway
As much as asphalt driveways are flexible, they are also susceptible to damage from sharp objects and heavy items. For instance, placing items such as jacks can put the driveway at risk of developing holes in the event the jack falls over or is run over by a vehicle. Additionally, when parking on your driveway, try your best not to skid the wheels especially during the hotter months. During the summer, your asphalt driveway is softer and more malleable. Increased pressure will cause indentations that will prove difficult to remedy. Lastly, when parking on your asphalt driveway, opt to change it up once in a while. Parking in the same spot all through the year exposes the same area to increased pressure and this will eventually lead to ruts in your asphalt driveway. You will then need frequent asphalt repairs if you would like to reclaim the former levelness of your driveway.