How to Care for Your New Asphalt Parking Lot
According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, over 90% of parking areas are asphalt pavement. If you're one of those lucky people who have just had an asphalt parking lot or driveway installed by a paving company, the first 14 days are crucial in maintaining your newly paved land. Luckily, there are several tips for properly caring for and maintaining your asphalt. Here are a couple of ways you can protect your pavement!
Be Wary During the Curing Process
After paving companies complete their job, the asphalt needs to cure. Because of this, you'll need to wait at least three days before even attempting to place a vehicle on it. The curing process for asphalt is quite extensive. It's wise to be mindful of the state of your fresh asphalt paving for at least 100 days after installation.
If you had your driveway or lot paved during the winter months, be aware that the curing process temporarily halts itself until the weather becomes warmer again. This will extend the process of allowing the asphalt to settle. If you'd like to avoid that, it's wise to have your paving contractor begin their job just after the last frost in spring or very early fall.
Conduct Maintenance Regularly
Once your asphalt has cured, maintenance is key to keeping your lot or driveway in great shape. Visually inspecting the asphalt is one of the easiest ways to tell if everything is up to code. To maintain your asphalt, there are a few easy tips that you can implement.
First, be aware of gas or oil spills. Because asphalt is oil-based, if gas or oil comes in contact with it, the asphalt can degrade. Additionally, if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall or snow, you'll need to be incredibly mindful of standing water. If water is left standing on your asphalt for too long, it can cause cracks and potholes. Weeds and other plants can grow in these cracks, leaving unsightly results. The edges of asphalt are delicate and need to be cared for properly. Do your best to avoid driving over the edges to avoid crumbling and cracking.
If you've been considering asphalt paving services and are looking for a reliable and trustworthy paving company, contact us at Always Paving LLC. We offer quality, warranty-backed paving services that will provide your residential or commercial area with new asphalt.
