Asphalt is one of the most trusted materials for building driveways. It is more trusted than concrete, in many settings, because concrete does not tend to move or shift with the ground underneath it. So, if you build a driveway from concrete, it might begin to crack if the ground moves underneath it. However, cracking is still a consideration for asphalt driveways. A driveway made from asphalt is more durable than other substances, but there are still some considerations you need to make. There are also several ways that you can keep it looking great for years. You just need a little bit of preventative maintenance.
Preventative Maintenance
When you consult with an expert on asphalt driveways in Toledo, OH, they will teach you steps to keep your driveway in great shape. For one, you need to make sure that you are keeping your driveway sealed. Asphalt is a petroleum-based product, which means that it reacts to other petroleum products, and also, it reacts to acids and other chemicals. What that means is if your vehicle leaks a little bit of oil, the asphalt will react to that oil. The reaction will be largely imperceptible, but after a few years, all of those different reactions could result in pits and cracks in your driveway. Toledo asphalt driveways can avoid this fate by simply sealing it with an asphalt sealant.
Keep It Clean
You should also take some steps to keep your driveway clean. Asphalt driveways don’t necessarily need to be scrubbed clean, but you should make sure that you pressure wash it occasionally. Asphalt can react to oil and acid, but it also can react to unsuspecting things. For example, tannins in acorns can actually discolor and degrade asphalt over time. Pressure washing just removes any possible contaminants from your driveway, preserving it for years.
