Asphalt driveways are the foundation of many homes across the country. Enhancing curb appeal, asphalt driveways are valued for durability and low maintenance. While asphalt is more economical than other materials, it can be damaged by certain elements over time.
According to asphalting Sydney owner Lianne Diggins, your asphalt driveway is a long-term investment. If you take good care of it, it can last decades. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not pay as much attention to their driveways and end up doing damage to them, causing the pavement to eventually wear away and crack.
By understanding the following common causes of damage to asphalt pavements, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their properties.
FormaldehydeÂ
This chemical can damage the surface of your driveway over time. It is found in some shingles as well as particle board used for panelling or furniture manufacturing, among other products. When formaldehyde comes into contact with certain chemicals on an asphalt driveway that contains sulphur, it forms a corrosive acid that eats away at the surface of the pavement. This type of damage may appear as cracks, blisters or angular indentations in the surface of your driveway.
Tire MarksÂ
These tracks can be left on driveways when vehicles are parked over the same area repeatedly. Frequent tire damage will leave permanent tire marks in your driveway, which make it easier for water to pool in those areas and potentially cause further damage. One way to avoid this is to limit vehicle use in areas where you know there is a problem with puddling water or frequent tire wear and tear, such as around mailboxes, trees or other landscaping features.
The SunÂ
Continued exposure to sunlight can fade the colour of your asphalt over time, reducing the appeal of the exterior of your living space. By contrast, darker colours tend to hold up better against sunlight damage. It is important to note that not all driveways will be affected by light, so this depends on what kind of asphalt you have installed. While some asphalt surfaces might require resealing every two years or so if they begin to fade, others may not need resealing for 10 years or longer.
The RainÂ
Rainwater can pool on your driveway, potentially causing potholes or other damage if left unattended. If homeowners are not available to move their cars when it rains, there are options for protecting your asphalt driveways from rainwater damage. Installing a storm drain in front of your home is one solution that will divert water away from your property and into the sewer system quickly. You can also consider installing gutters along the eaves of your house to catch any runoff before it reaches the driveway.
ShrubsÂ
Trees are a common culprit of damage to asphalt driveways, as their roots can lift and separate the driveway from its base over time. To reduce your trees’ effects on your asphalt driveway, you should avoid planting them too close together or where they’ll be able to lean on the surface of the pavement. You also don’t want to plant any trees with shallow root systems that can easily be pulled out. If a tree already has a significant impact on your asphalt driveway, it may need to be removed for safety reasons, especially if pooling water or structural cracks have appeared in response.
FinishersÂ
Clay pavers are composed by hand from clay rather than layered and poured over a rigid substrate like asphalt. Clay pavers require regular maintenance: sealing & resealing every 3-5 years depending on the amount of foot traffic, maintaining clearances from other structures to avoid thermal expansion or contraction cracking and clearing away any vegetation that could potentially grow between the pavers.
Keeping your home well maintained can help prevent damage to its exterior surfaces such as your driveway. By regularly sweeping leaves and debris off the surface of your asphalt driveway, you will keep it looking clean and new longer while reducing the risk of water pooling and causing potholes. Taking additional steps like applying ice melt in winter, limiting vehicle use in areas where puddling is common, sealing your driveway to protect against UV rays and other preventative measures can further prevent damage.
