Sunshine Services

Pavement maintenance can mean a lot of things, starting from simple cleaning to fixing issues like potholes. And asphalt pavements are more delicate than others when it comes to degradation. At times it can get difficult for asphalt pavements to escape the effects of Mother Nature. Be it the temperature, harsh weather conditions, ineffective drainage system, or heavy load, these maintenance problems reduce the lifespan of asphalt.

Furthermore, asphalt is the most versatile pavement material that people use. Before finding out how to maintain it to make it long lasting, let us know about the five different types of asphalt pavements:

Porous Asphalt: It is the oldest material used for construction of pavements. It is popular because it allows water to drain off the pavement and is commonly used in the construction of parking lots. Also, it is cost-effective and can last at least twenty years.

Perpetual Pavement: This is another durable surface that lasts for years. To construct a perpetual pavement, asphalt is used in combination with multi-layer paving design process. Also, it is easy and quick to install and doesn’t disrupt traffic.

Quiet Pavement: Paving roads using asphalt not only provides a smooth driveway but also reduces noise inside and outside of the house and businesses. 

Warm-Mix Asphalt: Using warm-mix asphalt instead of the hot-mix asphalt offers a few benefits that include reduced fuel consumption and the production of greenhouse gases. Also, warm-mix asphalt is less expensive than hot-mix asphalt.

Thin Overlays: Another material that makes asphalt pavements smooth is the thin overlays. It is produced from warm-mix asphalt and recycled materials which in turn reduce pavement distress, noise levels, and life-cycle costs.

While all these asphalt pavements are well-designed and provide exquisite performance, they still require some kind of maintenance. Check out the following five tips that can help increase the durability, longevity, and quality of your asphalt pavement.

Regular Cleaning

While reducing the load of heavy vehicles is the best way to prevent asphalt pavement from deterioration, it is not always possible, considering the business needs. Hence, cleaning the pavement regularly makes a difference. Taking time each month for cleaning the pavement not only increases the lifespan of the asphalt but also ensures that your asphalt doesn’t get stained or damaged by leaves, garbage, fuel, and debris. You can use asphalt-safe cleaning solutions to get rid of grease, chemicals, and dirt. You can also contact a professional roadway contractor in Palm Beach for regular repair and inspections of driveways.

Avoid Drainage Problems

Drainage problems are another reason that lead to asphalt damage. Due to a poor drainage system, water weakens the base, which causes potholes and cracks. And if not repaired immediately, potholes aggravate the problems, thereby increasing the repair costs. So, if you detect a pothole in your asphalt driveway, make sure you clean and fix it immediately using the right binding mixtures.

Do the Sealcoating

Sealcoating is one of the oldest and most effective techniques for preventing asphalt damage and cracks. Unlike overlays, seal coating adds a durable and waterproof layer to the top of the asphalt. This coating helps cover minor surface damages, be it from moisture, fuel, oil, or the UV rays. While a professional roadway contractor in Palm Beach may recommend that you replace the seal coating every three years, the frequency completely depends on the traffic volume, location, and several other factors affecting asphalt.

Remove the Ice and Snow

Too much water exposure is harmful for asphalt. During winters, the ice and snow can cause unavoidable damage. When the snow melts, the water gets accumulated beneath the surface and degrades the asphalt pavement when the traffic runs in. Hence, the regular removal of snow and ice is a vital requirement to maintain the durability of asphalt pavements. Either remove it using a shovel or you can also contact an experienced roadway contractor in Palm Beach for the best results.

Experts at Sunshine Services Can Help You