Asphalt pavement is quite economical and remarkably durable. However, unless the pavement receives regular maintenance, property owners may find themselves replacing the pavement much sooner than they expected. Paving companies are aware of what types of maintenance will be needed, and reputable asphalt contractors pass this information along to their customers. Asphalt sealcoating and crack filling are two extremely important maintenance procedures for asphalt pavement. Customers are also advised to ensure that drains do not become clogged. Another recommendation, however, is often ignored by customers, and that is the advice to keep asphalt pavement clean.
How to Keep My Pavement Clean | Asphalt Maintenance Tips
Why Does Asphalt Pavement Need Periodic Cleanings?
People who specialize in all types of preventive maintenance know that a lack of cleanliness can be a major contributor to the need for costly repairs and the premature failure of the object. Computers, HVAC systems, floor coverings, exterior cladding, roofs, automobiles and many other objects can suffer damage if they are not kept clean. Although it may be difficult to imagine that a lack of cleanliness could damage something as tough as asphalt pavement, it is true.
• Gravel, sand and dirt are abrasive. Pedestrians and vehicles can spread these particles far and wide, wearing away your sealcoating and scratching your pavement. The scratches may seem insignificant, but they will often expand during every freeze/thaw cycle. Eventually, they will become cracks that allow water to penetrate beneath the pavement and damage the foundation.
• Automotive fluids and other petroleum-based chemicals destroy the binder that is the glue holding the pavement together. The pavement will become soft and begin to crumble. Even a bicyclist or pedestrian can often dislodge chunks of the softened pavement, so imagine the damage that cars can inflict.
• Any type of debris that accumulates in piles can pose a threat to your pavement. Fallen leaves, dirt, cardboard boxes, grass clippings and caked mud can accumulate and trap moisture next to your pavement. If there are even a few tiny cracks underneath the pile, the moisture will drip through them. The cracks will expand, allowing more moisture to penetrate to the foundation.
How Should I Clean My Asphalt Pavement?
Whether you are implementing an asphalt maintenance program or creating a plan to care for other types of asphalt pavement, you will find that there are some tasks that can only be handled by competent paving contractors. For example, sealcoating makes your pavement easier to clean, protects your pavement against the sun and slows the penetration of water and automotive fluids, but applying sealant to a massive parking lot is a job that should be handled by a paving contractor with the right equipment and a crew of sufficient size. If you need assistance, you can find some paving companies that offer asphalt maintenance, but there are also paving contractors who specialize in parking lot maintenance and asphalt repair.
• Sweep your pavement as often as necessary. Some pavements need to be swept daily, but others may not need to be swept as frequently. If only a small area of the pavement collects debris, you may be able to handle the chore with little more than a push broom or leaf blower. However, most parking lots will benefit from a professional sweeping service.
• Treat oil and automotive fluid spills while they are fresh. Your first chore is to apply a material to absorb as much of the liquid as possible; cat litter and baking soda are safe and relatively effective absorbents. The next day, scrub the spill with an asphalt cleaner or degreaser. Asphalt contractors can use stronger chemicals that are more effective at removing leaked automotive fluids, especially if the stains are not fresh.
• Try to identify the source of debris and solutions to the problem. For example, if your primary problem is discarded trash, you might consider placing some trash receptacles in the problem areas. If runoff from an adjacent property is depositing mud on your pavement, installing a curb or wall might be an effective solution.
If you need help with your asphalt maintenance and repair, contact the experts at MH Greeson Paving. We specialize in asphalt repair, sealcoating, pothole repairs and parking lot striping. We also install bollards, car stops and traffic signs. We have impeccable references and an exemplary reputation. For a free quote, complete the online form or call 770-335-2983.
