You just got a brand new driveway. Great! Now what?... To maintain that “like-new” asphalt driveway or surface, you will need to care for it in the short term. This page covers the do’s and don’ ts of asphalt maintenance and provides you with important information for you to follow and get the most enjoyment, and longest life out of your driveway. With proper care, your driveway could last 15 to 20 years.
For 3 days (depending on the weather), you should not park cars on the driveway. In warmer weather, this “ no-park” period could be 4 days. In colder weather, it could be 2 days. Either way, we recommend caution while the asphalt hardens.
During the first year of your new driveway, you should avoid any sort of focused energy on the surface. For example, avoid using any of the following:
If you cannot avoid focused energy on your new driveway, be sure to cover it with plywood before applying any kind of focused weight. The plywood will dissipate the energy and protect your driveway from damage.
Water can also damage your new driveway. Avoid:
Water can be particularly damaging during the winter when freezing expands water when it freezes, contributing to cracks your asphalt.
Commercial vehicles should never be allowed on your driveway. They are just too heavy for your driveway which is designed for non-commercial vehicles only. Prohibiting commercial vehicles from parking on your residential driveway will help ensure its maximum life expectancy.
After one year, your asphalt should be fully cured and hardened, and you no longer need to worry as much about focused energy. However, be extra cautious on hot days as your asphalt can soften in extreme heat. Annual maintenance is now recommended to maximize the resilience of your asphalt to the elements and to maximize its longevity.
When having your driveway paved, ask to have the edges banked. This helps protect and retain the edges and promote run-off with minimal erosion. A Soldier Course is a good alternative to help maintain edge integrity.
Don’t blow grass clippings onto the asphalt. It’s porous on purpose to drain water and stay dry. Clippings will result in retained moisture and ultimately grass growing in your asphalt. Plant growth can damage your asphalt and mar its appearance. Use a trimmer to make a clear division between asphalt and grass. Asphalt is flexible nature is a benefit over concrete and helps it last longer. Asphalt is not susceptible to damage from salt.
