Paving large areas with asphalt is an economical solution that can also be durable and improve your property's appearance. However, it is common for individuals to be unsure as to what they will need to know to keep their new asphalt surfaces in good condition.

Deicing Chemicals Can Damage Asphalt

Depending on the climate where your property is located, snow and ice can be regular problems that you will have to manage during the winter months. While these problems can make it harder to navigate the pavement, you will want to avoid relying too much on deicing chemicals. These substances can be extremely damaging to the pavement. Luckily, this does not mean that you will have to allow the pavement to become dangerous to navigate as a result of ice accumulations. You have the option of installing electric ice melting systems instead. These systems can be built into the asphalt so that it can be warmed enough to melt away the snow and ice that collects on it.

Asphalt Needs Regular Cleaning

Asphalt pavement will need to be regularly cleaned. This can remove fluids from vehicles that may have leaked onto the surface of the asphalt. If these substances are not removed from the pavement, they could eventually cause the surface to become brittle, which can increase the risk of deep cracks forming. When cleaning the asphalt, you may want to use a pressure washer, as it will have enough force to remove substances that could have gotten deep under the surface of the pavement. In most cases, you can clean the asphalt with water, but if there is a particularly large amount of oil or other fluids, you may want to use a pressure washer–safe degreasing agent.

Patching Asphalt Is Relatively Easy

Asphalt is an extremely durable paving solution that can last for a couple of decades before suffering enough wear to have to be replaced. However, it is possible for the asphalt to suffer some damage that will have to be patched. Luckily, the process of patching the asphalt will be simple; just apply a small amount of asphalt to the damaged pavement. As a result, it is possible to repair this type of damage in a matter of hours. For the best results, an asphalt paving contractor should be hired for this repair, as they will be able to ensure there is a strong bond between the patch and the original asphalt so that it will not start to detach or loosen.

Contact asphalt paving contractors for more information.