Household maintenance can keep homeowners busy, and it is likely that keeping an eye on your driveway is not at the top of your to-do list. However, while it can be easy to ignore signs of damage in your asphalt driveway, taking care of regular asphalt maintenance and repairs is critical in order to ensure that your driveway lasts as long as possible. If you neglect your driveway, you may find that you will need to have it replaced much sooner than you had anticipated. Knowing when your asphalt is in need of repairs can then help to save you money in the long run by extending the life of your driveway. Here is a look at a few of the signs you can look out for indicating that it may be time to schedule asphalt repairs.
Shallow Cracks
Over time, it is likely that your asphalt driveway will begin to crack. If small cracks begin to appear in your driveway, it is important that you do not ignore them. Not only are these cracks an eyesore, but if they are not repaired, they will continue to grow and spread, causing widespread damage to your driveway. The key is to catch cracking early. Cracks that are less than ¼ inch wide can easily be repaired. However, if cracks grow wider, or become widespread, you may have to have your driveway replaced.
Drainage Issues
When it rains, it is important that you pay attention to how well your driveway drains. If your driveway was properly graded, water should drain off of your driveway. However, if water does not drain and lingers in puddles on your driveway, this is a clear sign that it is in need of repairs. When water is allowed to sit on asphalt, it can penetrate the surface, which can cause widespread structural damage including cracking and potholes. It is then important that you contact a paving contractor to have your driveway properly leveled.
Your Asphalt is Fading
Over time, exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause your asphalt to fade, turning your driveway from black to gray. Not only is this visually unappealing, but this also indicates that your driveway is deteriorating and growing increasingly brittle, leaving it susceptible to damage. Fortunately, if you have noticed that your asphalt driveway has begun to fade, having it seal coated can help to protect it from further damage.
Feel free to contact us to learn more about the signs indicating that your asphalt driveway may be in need of repairs.