Asphalt Surface Care
Protect the pavement you paid for.
Asphalt is engineered for durability, but exposure to weather, water, sunlight, traffic, and everyday use gradually takes its toll. With proper care and preventative maintenance, your pavement can remain safer, stronger, and more attractive for years to come.
New Asphalt
Refrain from driving on your new driveway for at least (5) days after paving completion. Always make sure that your vehicle is in motion when turning your steering wheel to help prevent “power steering” marks.
Charlestown recommends sealing new asphalt one year after installation and every three years thereafter to help protect the surface from moisture intrusion, oxidation, and premature deterioration. Regular crack sealing, patching, and routine inspections can further extend pavement life while reducing the need for major repairs.
Simple habits also make a difference. Vary parking locations when possible, avoid stationary steering-wheel turns, and protect new pavement from concentrated point loads that can damage the surface before it has fully cured. A little preventative care today can significantly reduce maintenance costs tomorrow.
Seal Cracks Promptly
Asphalt accumulates cracks over time, and the more there are, the more quickly the surface will break down. Heat weakens the binding materials in asphalt and freezing water expand and enlarges any surface ruptures. Both significantly contribute to the breakdown of your parking lot or driveway.
Repairing these cracks as soon as they appear and scheduling regular driveway/parking area sealing to address smaller, invisible fractures will help slow this degradation.
Avoid Damage From Heavy Objects
Heat makes your driveway more vulnerable to warping and compression, which can leave the surface uneven. Avoid leaving heavy objects like campers and boats on your driveway/parking lot and save heavy duty work for cooler seasons.
Seal Asphalt Regularly
As a general rule, you should seal your driveway or parking lot every 1 to 3 years. More specifically, if you can see the color of the individual stones that make up your asphalt surface, you know it’s time to seal it up. A few rules apply before you seal, however.
For starters, never seal new asphalt. Asphalt needs at least six months for the oils in it to evaporate. The less oil, the harder the surface, which is the goal. If you apply driveway sealer before it has time to cure, it won’t achieve the necessary hardness.
