As a property owner with asphalt surfaces, it's important to stay on top of maintenance to ensure their longevity and prevent safety hazards. Over time, exposure to the elements and daily wear and tear can cause cracks, potholes, and fading, detracting from your property's curb appeal and creating expensive repairs.
This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to asphalt maintenance, including different types of maintenance, signs of damage to look out for, and cost considerations. Whether you decide to hire a professional asphalt contractor or take a DIY approach, our tips will help you make informed decisions and save money.
So, let's dive into what you should know about asphalt maintenance to ensure your property's surfaces remain safe and beautiful for years to come.
Regular maintenance is vital for ensuring the longevity and durability of asphalt surfaces. Without proper maintenance, asphalt can deteriorate quickly, resulting in cracks, potholes, and other damage that can create safety hazards and diminish the appearance of your property.
By investing in regular maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your asphalt surfaces and prevent costly repairs down the road. Routine maintenance tasks, such as crack filling and sealcoating, can help protect your asphalt from the elements and prevent damage caused by exposure to UV rays and water.
In addition to preventing damage, regular maintenance can also help maintain the aesthetic appeal of your property. Cracks and faded asphalt can give your property an unkempt appearance, which can be a turn-off to visitors or potential customers.
Overall, investing in regular maintenance for your asphalt surfaces is a smart decision that can help you save money in the long run and keep your property looking its best.
Asphalt maintenance involves several different types of services, each designed to address specific issues and prolong the lifespan of your asphalt surfaces. The four most common types of maintenance are crack filling, pothole repair, sealcoating, and resurfacing.
Crack Filling
This involves filling in small cracks that appear on the surface of asphalt. Crack filling is typically done with a specialized asphalt repair material that's applied to the cracks using a trowel or a specialized machine. It's important to fill in cracks as soon as they appear to prevent them from getting bigger and causing more extensive damage.
Pothole Repair
Potholes are large holes that can form in the asphalt surface due to wear and tear, weather conditions, and other factors. Pothole repair involves cutting out the damaged area and filling it in with new asphalt. It's important to repair potholes as soon as possible to prevent them from getting larger and causing more extensive damage.
Sealcoating
This is a protective layer that's applied to the surface of the asphalt to protect it from the elements. Sealcoating helps to prevent water from seeping into the asphalt, which can cause cracks and other types of damage. It also helps to prevent damage caused by exposure to UV rays, which can cause asphalt to fade and lose its color over time.
Resurfacing
This involves adding a new layer of asphalt on top of the existing surface. Resurfacing is typically done when the existing surface is damaged beyond repair or when the asphalt has reached the end of its lifespan. This process involves removing the top layer of the existing surface and replacing it with a new layer of asphalt.
The type of maintenance that's appropriate for your asphalt surfaces will depend on the extent of the damage and the condition of the surface. It's important to consult with a professional asphalt contractor to determine which type of maintenance is best suited for your needs. By investing in the right type of maintenance at the right time, you can extend the lifespan of your asphalt surfaces and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Asphalt surfaces are prone to wear and tear due to exposure to the elements and daily use. Over time, this wear and tear can cause damage that can create safety hazards and diminish the appearance of your property. By being aware of the signs of damage and taking action when you notice them, you can prevent small problems from becoming bigger and more costly to fix.
Cracks: These are small fissures that can appear on the surface of asphalt. They can be caused by exposure to the sun, freezing temperatures, or heavy use.
Potholes: These are larger holes that can form in the asphalt surface due to wear and tear, weather conditions, and other factors.
Fading: This is a gradual loss of color that can make your asphalt surfaces look dull and unappealing.
Unevenness: This is when the surface of the asphalt is no longer level, which can create safety hazards and make it difficult to use the surface for its intended purpose.
To prevent these issues from becoming bigger problems, it's important to inspect your asphalt surfaces regularly and take action when you notice signs of damage. If you notice any cracks, potholes, or fading, it's important to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent them from getting bigger and causing more extensive damage.
By staying on top of asphalt maintenance and repairs, you can extend the lifespan of your asphalt surfaces and keep your property looking its best. If you're unsure whether your asphalt surfaces are in need of repair or maintenance, it's best to consult with a professional asphalt contractor who can help you determine the best course of action.
When it comes to asphalt maintenance, property owners have the option of taking a DIY approach or hiring a professional asphalt contractor. While DIY maintenance can save money in the short term, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to tackle asphalt maintenance on your own or to hire a professional.
Cost savings: DIY maintenance is typically less expensive than hiring a professional, as you won't have to pay for labor costs.
Convenience: With DIY maintenance, you can schedule the work around your own schedule and complete the work at your own pace.
Lack of expertise: DIY maintenance requires a certain level of expertise, and if you don't have experience working with asphalt, you may make mistakes that can cause more damage and require costly repairs down the road.
Safety risks: Some types of asphalt maintenance, such as resurfacing, require heavy equipment and can be dangerous if not done properly.
Limited tools and resources: DIY maintenance requires specialized tools and resources that you may not have access to, which can limit the effectiveness of your repairs.
Expertise: Professional asphalt contractors have the training and expertise to perform maintenance and repairs correctly and efficiently.
Quality work: With professional maintenance, you can expect high-quality work that's backed by a warranty.
Time savings: Professional contractors can complete the work quickly and efficiently, minimizing the amount of time your asphalt surfaces are out of commission.
Cost: Hiring a professional can be more expensive than doing the work yourself, especially for small maintenance tasks like crack filling.
Scheduling: You'll need to coordinate with the contractor to schedule the work, which can be inconvenient if you have a busy schedule.
In general, it's best to hire a professional asphalt contractor for larger maintenance tasks like resurfacing, while smaller tasks like crack filling can be tackled on your own. It's important to consider your own level of expertise, the scope of the project, and the potential risks before deciding whether to take a DIY approach or to hire a professional.
The cost of asphalt maintenance can vary depending on the type of maintenance required, the extent of the damage, and the size of the surface being repaired. In general, crack filling and sealcoating are less expensive than resurfacing, which can be a more significant investment.
Crack filling typically costs between $0.15 to $0.35 per linear foot, while sealcoating can range from $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot. Resurfacing, on the other hand, can cost between $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the condition of the existing surface.
While the cost of asphalt maintenance may seem like a significant investment, regular maintenance can actually save you money in the long run. By investing in regular maintenance, you can prevent small problems from becoming bigger and more expensive to fix. For example, filling in cracks as soon as they appear can prevent them from spreading and causing more extensive damage that requires resurfacing or even replacement.
In addition to saving money on repairs, regular maintenance can also help prolong the lifespan of your asphalt surfaces, reducing the need for costly replacements down the road. By investing in regular maintenance, you're protecting your investment and ensuring that your property remains safe and attractive for years to come.
To get a better idea of the cost of maintenance for your specific asphalt surfaces, it's best to consult with a professional asphalt contractor who can provide you with a quote based on the unique characteristics of your property. With a little bit of planning and investment, you can keep your asphalt surfaces in top condition and save money in the long run.
In conclusion, regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity and durability of your asphalt surfaces. By investing in the right type of maintenance at the right time, you can prevent small problems from becoming bigger and more expensive to fix. Whether you decide to take a DIY approach or hire a professional asphalt contractor, it's important to stay on top of maintenance to protect your investment and ensure the safety and attractiveness of your property.
In this article, we've discussed the different types of asphalt maintenance, the signs of damage to look out for, and the pros and cons of DIY versus professional maintenance. We've also provided you with an idea of what to expect in terms of cost and how regular maintenance can help you save money in the long run.
If you're ready to take action and schedule maintenance for your asphalt surfaces, we invite you to contact our asphalt company. Our team of experienced professionals can provide you with high-quality maintenance and repairs that will keep your asphalt surfaces looking their best for years to come. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
