Preventing Driveway Erosion

If you have an asphalt driveway, you should be pleased to know that this popular pavement material is extremely durable and long lasting. Under normal circumstances, with regular maintenance and by repairing minor damage in a timely manner, your asphalt driveway should last for many, many years. But even a material as strong as asphalt isn’t indestructible, and without knowing it you may be putting your driveway at risk of developing erosion. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect that from happening. Follow these simple tips to keep your asphalt in tip-top shape:

• Keep water away from your driveway. The most common reason for asphalt erosion is water. Whether it’s from downspouts that send runoff directly onto the pavement, misplaced irrigation water, or regular heavy rainfall, water can quickly erode your paved surface. Take steps to prevent this from occurring. Make sure downspouts direct runoff water to plant beds or lawn instead of your driveway. Make sure that sprinklers and drip systems are kept as far away from the asphalt as possible. And if you live in a wet, rainy climate, consider installing a carport over your driveway to help protect the pavement.
• Minimize the impact of vehicle traffic. You may not realize it, but the simple act of pulling in and out of your driveway too quickly can gradually erode the surface. To prevent this from happening, always drive very slowly and avoid sudden starts or stops.
• Have cracks filled promptly. Even the smallest crack in your driveway can allow water to seep beneath the surface. The way to avoid this is by having small cracks filled as soon as they appear. And rather than trying to do this yourself, always have a trusted local contractor repair your asphalt surface. DIY kits available in home improvement stores are never as effective as letting the professional handle repairs for you, and filling cracks the wrong way can actually do more harm than good.
• Have your driveway sealcoated on a regular basis. Sealcoating not only makes your paved surface look new again; regular application of sealcoat can protect your driveway from damage and can extend the lifetime of your paved surface by several years.

Driveway erosion can happen quickly, and you may not even realize that the damage has already begun. Contact a local reputable paving contractor today for an assessment and to find out more about how you can prevent asphalt erosion.