You may not think your asphalt driveway needs a lot of maintenance. However, neglecting it and not carrying out the proper maintenance measures will greatly decrease its functionality. Although asphalt paving is designed to be sturdy and durable, it does require the appropriate care and maintenance to ensure that it lasts for a significant period of time. Failure to do so will lead to costly repairs and could even mean complete replacement of your driveway. Here are some easy maintenance tips that will work toward extending the life of your asphalt paving.

Keep the Asphalt Paving Free of Debris and Oil

Since your asphalt paving is located outdoors, it's prone to accumulating debris on a regular basis. It may seem redundant to keep cleaning it if will just get dirty due to exposure to dust and the elements. However, failure to regularly remove the debris that is collecting could compromise the surface of the asphalt paving. It is recommended to regularly sweep away surface debris such as leaved, twigs and more.

If vehicles drive over the debris, they could puncture the asphalt and this will cause cracks in the paving that will accumulate water. Additionally, any oil stains that occur on the driveway should be cleaned as soon as possible. Oils and fluids from vehicles have chemical compounds that could eat away at the surface of your driveway. Invest in a degreasing agent that will ensure these spills are eliminated thoroughly.

Ensure Cracks and Potholes are Repaired as Soon as They Form

Cracks in asphalt paving are something that will occur at one time or another. However, leaving these cracks without repair could lead to irreparable damage to your driveway. As the cracks and potholes form, they leave room for water accumulation in the asphalt. As water collects in these crevices, temperature changes make the water expand and contract. The expansion and contraction will lead to the widening of the cracks and potholes. Not attending to these cracks and potholes will cause a vicious cycle that could lead to the entire structural integrity of your driveway being compromised.

The good news is that these cracks and potholes can be fixed easily by sealing them using aggregate. You could opt to do this on your own or have professional asphalt paving contractors carry out the repairs for you. If you opt to carry out the repair on your own, ensure you have thoroughly cleaned the cracks and potholes so that the aggregate mixture does not become compromised with foreign contaminants.