Asphalt is just like any other feature of your home or business – it requires regular maintenance in order to remain functional. And, also like almost any other exterior portion of your home or business, repairs and maintenance of asphalt can be costly. Here are some helpful tips on how best to maintain your asphalt and still stay within your budget.
Plan Ahead
Although a paved surface may seem indestructible, it’s not. Wear and tear from vehicle traffic, and weather conditions such as too much rain or freeze/thaw conditions, can wreak havoc on your asphalt surface. You’ll need to take certain steps to protect it and make it last as long as possible. So it makes sense to think ahead and budget for any maintenance and repairs that you’ll need to have done. Talk to a trusted asphalt paving specialist to find out what type of repair and maintenance procedures you’ll likely need and how much they will cost, then include that amount in your personal or business budget. Unexpected expenses are difficult to manage, but by planning ahead, you can be prepared for the normal costs involved in maintaining your pavement.
It’s All About Prevention
We’ve all heard the old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This saying holds true when it comes to asphalt as well. Major repairs can be costly, so the smart thing to do is to try to prevent damage to being with. The best way to do that is to invest in methods that will help to protect your surface, such as seal coating, for example. Another way to avoid the cost of major repairs is to make minor repairs whenever they’re needed. If you see small cracks forming on the paved surface (also called “alligator cracks”), contact your paving contractor to have these cracks repaired as quickly as possible. If you don’t, they will worsen and could lead to major damage – and major repair costs.
Overlay Rather than New Asphalt
If your pavement is aging – say, 20 years old or more – then it might need more than simply minor repairs. Replacing asphalt can be costly, so talk to your asphalt specialist about the possibility of an overlay instead. With an overlay, a new layer is asphalt is laid over the top of the aging asphalt surface. This can sometimes be done instead of tearing out the old asphalt and replacing it with a completely new surface. An overlay won’t always be the right answer, but it could save you a substantial amount of money if it can be done for your surface.
Like any other external feature on your home or business, asphalt needs a little TLC. Fortunately, with planning, prevention, and asking about alternative methods of repaving, you can take care of your paved surface and still stay within your budget.