In our last blog, we discussed the fundamentals of concrete pavement maintenance. In today’s blog, we will transition that discussion into asphalt maintenance. What you will discover is that the methods and priorities are much the same, but still dissimilar in their own unique ways. This means that you need to treat your concrete pavements slightly different than you would your asphalt pavements.
Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for proper asphalt maintenance.
Recommended Maintenance for Asphalt
Some considerations to keep in mind when creating an asphalt maintenance plan is that all maintenance agendas will vary at some degree. Furthermore, understand that some tasks can be managed on your own, or by an appointed staff, but others should be carried out by a licensed paving company.
Whether you have a tarmac, parking lot, commercial drive, embankment dam, or other large-scale asphalt surface, these maintenance tips will help you extend the life and performance of your pavements:
☑ Routine Cleaning
Just like concrete, asphalt pavement should be periodically cleared of excess debris, including leaves, snow, ice, and trash, as well as, routinely cleaned. Pressure washing, stain removal, and other similar cleaning treatments are recommended for asphalt in order to sustain visual appeal and longevity.
☑ Seal Coating
Seal coats are emulsions that are brushed or sprayed onto pavements, providing a clear protective layer against moisture and more. Without a proper sealcoat, asphalt pavements will experience amplified wear and tear from traffic, weather, chemicals, salts, and more, which shortens their life and diminishes their aesthetic value.
☑ Preventative Care
Aside from seal coating, it is important to take additional precautions to ensure your pavements are protected, year-round. For asphalt, it is encouraged to never use harsh chemicals on its surface, including harmful deicers in the winter to combat snow and ice accumulation. Keep in mind, deicers that contain ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates are more damaging to asphalt than others. Sand and shoveling are the best methods of snow management when it comes to protecting asphalt.
☑ Prompt Repairs
When asphalt experiences the start of a defect, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible, before it can turn into a large, intensive, tedious, and costly repair. For instance, if you are noticing alligator cracking on the surface of your asphalt, have these cracks treated and filled promptly to prevent further crumbling and pothole development.
Your Leaders in Indiana Asphalt Repair Service
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for professional asphalt repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our team of licensed and insured pavers provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete paving services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. We serve all of Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Request a free estimate, today.
