Maintaining asphalt surfaces—whether it’s driveways, car parks, or roadways—is crucial for their longevity, safety, and appearance. Regular upkeep not only extends the life of the asphalt but also prevents expensive repairs.
1. Regular Sealcoating
Sealcoating, or surface dressing, is one of the most effective ways to protect your asphalt surfaces. This process involves applying a protective layer over the asphalt to shield it from UV rays, water, oil spills, and chemicals. Northern Asphalt’s sealcoating services ensure your surfaces are well-protected against these elements.
Why Choose Northern Asphalt for Sealcoating:
Prevents Oxidation: Our sealcoating acts as a barrier against the sun’s harmful UV rays, preventing your asphalt from oxidising and deteriorating over time.
Waterproofs the Surface: The sealcoating we apply fills in surface voids, reducing exposure to water and oxygen, and minimising the depth to which oil or other substances can penetrate.
Enhances Appearance: With Northern Asphalt’s sealcoating, your surfaces will look like new, improving the overall look of your property.
How Often to Sealcoat: To keep your asphalt in the best condition, we recommend sealcoating every 2–3 years, depending on the local climate and how much traffic your surfaces endure.
2. Crack Filling and Sealing
Cracks in asphalt are inevitable due to weather changes, heavy traffic, and natural ageing. At Northern Asphalt, we understand the importance of addressing these cracks early to prevent them from expanding and causing more severe damage.
Our Approach to Crack Repairs:
Crack Filling: We fill cracks with an asphalt emulsion or a similar material to stop water from seeping in.
Crack Sealing: Using a hot rubberised sealant, we fill and seal cracks to provide a flexible solution that expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Why Northern Asphalt Recommends Timely Crack Repair:
Prevents Water Damage: Our crack repair services prevent water from penetrating the asphalt base, which can lead to potholes and extensive cracking.
Extends Pavement Life: By filling and sealing cracks early, we help reduce the likelihood of larger, more costly repairs.
When to Perform Crack Repairs: It’s best to schedule crack repairs with Northern Asphalt before the onset of winter or the rainy season to prevent water infiltration.
3. Pothole Repair
Potholes are more than just unsightly; they can pose significant safety risks and lead to further pavement deterioration if not addressed promptly. Northern Asphalt provides reliable pothole repair services to keep your surfaces safe and smooth.
Northern Asphalt’s Pothole Repair Methods:
Cold Patch: This is a temporary fix that involves filling potholes with cold-mix asphalt. It’s quick and can be done even in colder temperatures.
Hot Mix Asphalt: For a more permanent solution, we remove the damaged area and replace it with hot-mix asphalt, ideal for large potholes and areas with significant damage.
Benefits of Choosing Northern Asphalt for Pothole Repair:
Prevents Accidents: Our timely pothole repairs help prevent vehicle damage and reduce risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
Reduces Liability: By maintaining smooth, pothole-free surfaces, Northern Asphalt helps protect property owners from liability claims.
When to Repair Potholes: We recommend repairing potholes as soon as they appear, to prevent further damage.
4. Proper Drainage Management
Water is one of asphalt’s biggest enemies. At Northern Asphalt, we know that poor drainage can lead to water pooling on the surface, which can seep into the asphalt and weaken its foundation.
Northern Asphalt’s Drainage Solutions:
Slope Correction: We ensure your asphalt surface has the correct slope to direct water away from the pavement.
Installing French Drains or Catch Basins: Our team can install these systems to help manage surface water and prevent it from seeping into the asphalt.
Regular Cleaning of Gutters and Drains: Northern Asphalt offers maintenance services to keep your drainage systems clear of debris, ensuring proper water flow.
Why Proper Drainage Matters:
Prevents Erosion: Our drainage solutions prevent water from eroding the sub-base and asphalt.
Extends Pavement Life: By managing water flow effectively, we reduce the risk of cracks and potholes forming.
When to Check Drainage: Regular inspections are crucial. At Northern Asphalt, we recommend checking your drainage systems before and after the rainy season.
5. Routine Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your asphalt surfaces. Northern Asphalt offers routine inspections to help identify minor issues before they become major problems.
Northern Asphalt’s Maintenance Tips:
Regular Sweeping: Keeping your surfaces free of debris, leaves, and dirt helps prevent moisture retention and damage.
Remove Oil and Chemical Spills: We recommend prompt removal of these substances, as they can break down the asphalt binder, leading to cracks and potholes.
Inspect for Damage: Northern Asphalt advises regular checks for cracks, potholes, and drainage issues, especially after severe weather.
Benefits of Routine Maintenance with Northern Asphalt:
Saves Money: Early detection and repair of minor issues can prevent costly repairs.
Enhances Safety: Well-maintained surfaces reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
When to Perform Inspections: Northern Asphalt suggests conducting inspections at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and autumn, and after any extreme weather events.
Conclusion
By following these five essential maintenance strategies—regular sealcoating, timely crack filling, pothole repair, proper drainage management, and routine inspections—you can keep your asphalt surfaces looking great and performing well. Northern Asphalt is here to help you protect your investment and enhance your property’s overall value. Trust us to keep your asphalt in excellent condition for years to come.
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