As a homeowner, you probably don’t expect to do much work on your driveway. After all, it’s an incredibly hard and sturdy surface that should be impervious to most things, right?
Well, while it isn’t something that requires tons of maintenance, it does eventually develop a number of serious issues just like any other part of your home.
To help you avoid costly issues, we’ve put together this list of 10 tips to extend your residential driveway’s lifespan and save money, time, and energy.
1. Immediately Remove Snow
One of the most crucial aspects of residential driveway maintenance is caring for your asphalt during the winter months. If you live in an area that regularly experiences snowfall, simply clearing a path for your car and allowing the snow to melt on its own can lead to bigger problems. This approach can easily worsen any existing issues with your driveway—ones you may not even be aware of.
If you can, try to properly prepare your driveway with ice preventatives, and when the snowfall stops, make sure you clean the chemical “salt” off to keep that from damaging the pavement.
If you don’t, water can get into cracks and freeze, thaw, and quickly expand those cracks. Hairline cracks that don’t seem significant can suddenly become serious damage.
2. Make Sure You Fill Cracks Immediately
Cracks are the first thing you’re going to see when it comes to damage. They often aren’t noticeable at first, but once you see them, it’s time to do something.
Luckily, if you catch it early, you don’t necessarily have to call a professional. There are crack-sealing products commercially available, and they’re easy enough to use that you shouldn’t have any problems.
Keep in mind that this is not a permanent solution. While it can add years to your driveway’s life by addressing cracks early, it doesn’t resolve the underlying issue of aging and deterioration. So, don’t rely on this method forever—it’s always better to call an expert who can professionally handle crack filling and ensure long-lasting results.
3. Avoid Chemicals
Whether they come from a radiator leak in your car or you’re willingly spraying them around your property for some reason, try to keep chemicals off your driveway.
This is a big concern because many different chemicals can damage the bonding agents in pavement, or they can eat away at sealant.
Not every chemical does this, but it’s best to simply keep the driveway clean of everything from pesticides to vehicle spills and ice prevention chemicals.
4. Keep the Driveway Clean
Dirt and grime aren’t ever going to be fully removed from your driveway, but you do want to get as much of it off as much as possible, and you want to try to stay on top of it frequently.
Dirt and grime can pack into cracks, seep into pours, and more to eventually cause damage. It’s not noticeable for a long time, but it does help speed up the deterioration of your pavement.
Set a schedule, and regularly wash your driveway just like a business would its parking lot.
5. Immediately Call a Specialist for Serious Damage
Serious damage doesn’t tend to suddenly appear, but it can. If you suddenly notice a sinking hole in your driveway, a large crack, or more obvious damage from an accident, don’t just let it sit. You should immediately call a professional.
A driveway repair might be in order, and if you don’t get it done, a cost-effective repair might turn into an expensive new pavement job.
If something is seriously off, call in the pros immediately.
6. Get Your Driveway Sealed
Sealant is extremely useful for preserving your driveway. It’s essentially a protective layer that goes on the top, and it prevents the pavement beneath it from aging as quickly. It blocks harmful deterioration causes such as water, UV rays, chemicals, etc.
There’s only one minor issue with sealing your driveway. You’ll need to maintain it. The sealant will wear off, and every couple of years, you’ll need to invest in another coat.
That’s not a big deal compared to the cost of fully repaving your driveway due to excessive deterioration, though.
Also, keep in mind that it doesn’t make your driveway last forever. Eventually, you’ll need to get repairs or a full replacement. This just prolongs the life of your pavement.
7. Get Your Driveway Inspected
Every few years, you should reach out to a professional service to have your driveway inspected.
One of the unfortunate parts of driveways being so durable is that you often won’t know there’s a problem until it’s serious. There can be pockets growing under your driveway for years before it caves in, cracks can develop on the ground side of the pavement and work their way up to the surface over years, or there might be a problem with your property that is posing a major risk to your driveway. Unfortunately, you can’t see any of those issues without training.
A professional can come out, look at the driveway, and determine if you have any problems that need fixed. It’s cost-effective and reduces the chance of something serious happening.
8. Stop Tree Root Growth
Any form of concrete or pavement, including your driveway, will be destroyed by tree roots growing underneath it.
For the most part, this isn’t an issue. However, if you have a tree close to your paved driveway, you might want to consider getting it removed. As the roots grow and swell, they can cause cracks and damage.
9. Fix Water Run Off
If you have an issue with your gutters or catch basins, water can run down over your driveway in concentrated streams, and that’s going to tear your driveway up, quickly. Any other sort of consistent water source such as burst or leaking pipes affecting your property can also erode your driveway.
In this case, the best solution is to solve the core problem.
10. Get a RAP Driveway
RAP stands for reclaimed asphalt pavement, and it can be a great choice for many homeowners. Pavement and asphalt get harder over time, and when you start with reclaimed versions, there is no drawn out curing process. The material is already hard. This makes it more resilient and longer lasting in most cases.
Ensure a Long-Lasting Driveway with Barnes Asphalt Services
Your residential driveway is a significant investment, and ensuring its longevity requires proper care and maintenance. From immediate crack repairs and regular sealant applications to addressing water runoff and preventing tree root growth, following these 10 tips can help you extend the lifespan of your driveway and avoid costly repairs in the future. However, even with the best care, there comes a time when professional expertise is essential.
At Barnes Asphalt, we specialize in providing top-tier driveway services that keep your pavement in peak condition. Whether you need a simple inspection, routine maintenance, or more extensive asphalt repairs, our team is dedicated to delivering quality workmanship and long-lasting results.
As the leading asphalt contractor in the region, Barnes Asphalt is known for its unmatched expertise, commitment to customer satisfaction, and use of high-quality materials. Our team of professionals understands the specific challenges faced by homeowners in this area, from harsh winters to summer heat, and we offer tailored solutions to ensure your driveway can withstand the elements year-round.
Don’t wait until minor issues become major problems. Contact Barnes Asphalt today to schedule your driveway inspection, repairs, or paving services. With our experience and dedication, we’ll ensure your driveway remains safe, durable, and visually appealing for years to come.