After Asphalt Paving

Although asphalt pavement is an economical choice, new parking lots, subdivision streets and roads still represent significant capital investments. As such, you naturally want to obtain the best return on your investment in new pavement. This will require an ongoing program of preventive maintenance, but there are also some actions you can take as soon as your pavement is installed.

After Asphalt Paving – Have Patience

You may want to open your new pavement to traffic before the contractor’s last truck disappears around the corner, but you need to fight the urge. New asphalt pavement needs to cure before vehicles start rolling across it. Your contractor will have told you how long to wait; whether he instructed a waiting time of 12 hours, 24 hours or 48 hours, you should comply.

Sweat the Small Stuff

Little things can do a great deal of damage to new asphalt. For example, bicycle kickstands and trailer jacks can sink into new pavement, especially if it is a hot summer day. Place sturdy boards under trailer jacks or in parking spaces for motorcycles and bikes to prevent damage. The act of turning the steering wheel while a car is stopped can leave scuff marks on new pavement; unless the scuffs are severe or pavement is removed, the damage will usually fade once more traffic drives over them.

Clean Leaked Automotive Fluids Quickly

Oil, power steering fluid, gas, transmission fluid, brake fluid and other petroleum-based products cause asphalt pavement to deteriorate. Pavement that is not protected by sealcoating is especially vulnerable to damage from automotive fluids. Clean up any leaks as soon as possible.

Speaking of Sealcoating

Sealcoating is both economical and effective. However, new pavement cannot be sealed immediately. New asphalt pavement contains too much oil, so you need to wait 30 to 90 days before you have sealcoating applied. Mark your calendar or schedule an appointment at the time recommended by the contractor who installed your pavement. Sealcoating will offer some protection against automotive fluids, and it will also block harmful UV rays that can age your pavement prematurely.

If Your New Pavement Is Damaged

If, despite your best efforts, your new pavement suffers damage, repairs are typically inexpensive if made early. The longer you wait to have a crack or depression mended, the more extensive the damage can become. Cracks are extremely hazardous to the life of your pavement; they allow water to erode the pavement’s supporting foundation, which can cause severe damage that is often expensive to repair.

As you can see, it is necessary to invest a little extra effort in the early months of your pavement’s life. As the pavement ages, it will become more resistant to damages, especially if you have had fresh seal coat applied as needed. The additional effort can help you maximize your return on your investment in asphalt pavement by extending the life of your pavement.

For More Help

Affordable Striping & Sealing is an asphalt contractor that specializes in maintaining asphalt pavement. We are a locally owned business with impeccable references and a reputation for delivering exceptional results at affordable prices. Our services include sealcoating, parking lot striping and pavement markings, asphalt crack repairs, road markings and the installation of traffic signs and bumper blocks. If you would like to request a free quote, complete the online form or call us at (702) 222-9009.

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