Porous asphalt driveways are becoming more popular every year. These are much longer-lasting surfaces for homes and residential properties where heavy commercial traffic isn’t common. There are many advantages to porous pavements including their ability to keep the ground below more fertile. It is also important to select the right asphalt driveway companies for service on your property.
A good porous driveway should last a couple of decades and more. However, maintenance is key among other steps to ensure its longevity. The key factor is the tiny holes in the porous surface. All the water landing during a rain downpour or a storm will pass through the surface without much effort. So, here’s what you can do to make your asphalt driveway look good as new for much longer:
1: Sweep the Driveway and Remove All Foreign Materials
Cleaning the driveway is the first step in making it look neat. Sitting outside, your driveway will collect foreign materials of all kinds. Food wraps, plastic bags, falling leaves, and many other types of foreign materials will always land on the surface.
So, go on the driveway at least once every day to sweep it properly. Remove all kinds of materials that are not a part of the driveway surface.
If your driveway has trees around it, surely falling leaves will collect frequently. Also, these leaves can get stuck inside the tiny homes blocking the water from running off into the ground. So, regular sweeping is very important.
2: Inspect the Driveway After Large Storms
Heavy thunderstorms that bring down a lot of rain can have a significant impact. Not only can these bring heavy tree branches that can damage the asphalt surface but also, too much water can cause the adhesives to come apart. If there is any indentation in the pavement, water can pool in it.
Inspecting your driveway after a large storm is very important. Also, remove all the debris that might have landed on its surface. Snow storms are the worst for the life of your asphalt pavement. Make sure to properly inspect and fix any problems and give it a nice clean right after a big storm.
3: Power Wash the Porous Asphalt Surface Often
One of the best ways to keep a porous asphalt pavement looking good is to power wash it regularly. A good power wash will get rid of most of the stains, debris, and whatever is blocking the tiny holes. Also, a power wash will mean that all that water runs off in the ground below keeping it fertile.
Areas that typically have high humidity, need to be power washed often as well. A good power wash will also clear out all the mold growth that may block the tiny holes. If you see a lot of green growing on the surface, it is a sign that the driveway needs a power wash.
Also, if the water is not draining properly, there might be some materials blocking the porous holes. After a power wash, make sure to do a good sweep on the driveway cleaning out all the debris as well.
4: Fix Leaky Engines and Remove Oil Stains
Leaky engines can be quite a problem in different ways. In addition to causing the engine oils to drop and the engine seizing, oil stains on the driveway can be a common outcome. Also, hot oils may speed up the adhesive layers breaking apart making rocks chunks come off the surface.
So, it is important to fix all the leaky engines when parking on the driveway. If the driveway has already picked up oil stains, make sure to clean them up. Power wash helps with oil stains as well.
Also, you might need other cleaning solutions to properly remove the oil stains. These can be hardy stains that will take some doing. Get a professional to clean off the oil stains, if possible, for a quick and reliable solution.
5: Get a New Seal Coat Every 3-5 Years
That dark sheen on any asphalt pavement is what gives it the iconic elegant look. High-quality paving installations are made to last. However, they will lose the surface color and finish due to sunlight exposure and other elements. So, getting a new seal coat every 3-5 years is the best option.
A fresh seal coat also helps melt the snow faster. Getting a seal coat before winter is the best option. Also, it will bind up the surface tightening any loose debris or chunks or rocks coming off as well. Seal coats are inexpensive ways to prolong the life of your driveway.
Also, make sure to get the potholes or cracks repaired before getting that seal coat as well. A properly maintained driveway should last 20 years or more depending on conditions.
6: Avoid Storing Mulch and Firewood on the Pavement
Mulch and firewood can have problems of their own when placed on the driveway surface. Storing these on top of the surface can block the pores of the asphalt. Also, mulch and firewood can give off stains of their own that will be even harder to remove.
So, if you need to store mulch or firewood, make sure to store it away from the driveway. Store it well-covered from the rain. Also, store it on the softer ground with grass on it. If there are any mulch stains, remove them before they stick to the surface.
Bottom Line
Of course, asphalt driveways are hard surfaces. However, elements can take their toll on them as well. Proper maintenance is required to make them last longer and keep them looking good as new. A fresh new seal coat every 3-5 years will guarantee the dark sheen on the driveway.
Also, sweep it every day and power wash it once a week to keep the porous surface free from foreign materials. Get a professional survey done on the surface every year before the winter starts. Keep all cracks and potholes filled out in order to make the surface age well.
