It’s every property owner’s dream for their asphalt to last as long as possible for the lowest possible cost.
While asphalt is typically advertised as being able to last for up to 25 years, many property owners struggle to reach this milestone. Sometimes this is due to neglect; at others, it’s because they have the wrong approach to repairs and maintenance.
Fortunately, there’s a better way to make your asphalt last longer—one that will also save you money over the journey. Here are four budget-saving tips that will help you maintain your asphalt for a reasonable cost!
1. Create a Maintenance Budget
The best way to manage asphalt paving costs is, of course, to budget for them. Without a proper budget in place, every repair and maintenance task is going to be felt.
If you have reasonable expectations from the start, on the other hand, you won’t be tempted to delay important repairs in order to hang on to your money. Speak to your local asphalt paving company to determine how much you should be budgeting for asphalt maintenance each year.
In your budget, be sure to also account for one major pavement restoration project every decade. This will help cover the occasional area that needs to be resurfaced or replaced.
2. Sealcoat Your Pavement on Time
Sealcoating is one of the keys to pavement longevity. This thin protective layer shields your pavement against all types of elements—such as UV rays, chemicals, debris, and others—that might threaten to shorten its lifespan.
Of course, a new layer of sealcoat will wear off over time, so it’s critical that you continue to sealcoat your surface as needed. Most asphalt paving contractors recommend sealcoating your surface every 2–3 years. Ask your local pavement contractor what timeframe they recommend for your pavement and then budget accordingly.
3. Promptly Fill Cracks to Prevent Water Damage
One of the greatest dangers of cracks is that they often seem relatively minor and are therefore ignored. A crack as narrow as ¼” can sometimes go undetected, let alone appear to be a threat to your asphalt pavement.
It’s important, however, to order crack filling services as you notice cracks in your pavement. When small cracks are neglected, they grow into large cracks and eventually into potholes.
Beyond the obvious damage that these issues can cause to vehicles, cracks also allow water to penetrate your pavement and cause damage below the surface.
4. Make a Habit Out of Cleaning Your Surface
One of the greatest catalysts of pavement damage is debris. As chemicals, dirt, and other substances build up on your pavement, these elements eat away at your layer of sealcoat and make your pavement susceptible to further damage.
You can prevent this simply by sweeping and cleaning your surface regularly. While it will require some time to complete this maintenance task, it could save you a significant amount of money on maintenance and repairs in the long run.
Do you need long-lasting asphalt paving services at a competitive price? Contact the team at Empire Paving today and find out how we can help you maximize the return on your investment!
We were very pleased with the professional job done by Empire Paving this fall.
Luciano and his team were very reliable, knowledgeable and able to handle all issues that arose during completion of this project. We would highly
recommend Empire Paving for any paving job!