An asphalt driveway can help improve the appearance of your home's exterior and increase your home's value. Whether you are wanting to take the best care of your current asphalt drive or to install a new and durable asphalt surface that will last many years, here are some tips to help you:

Take Care of Your Existing Asphalt Drive

When you already have an existing asphalt driveway, it is important to take the necessary steps to keep it well-maintained and in good condition. Otherwise, your asphalt surface will begin to oxidize and dry out under the sun and adverse weather.

Repair Cracks

When your asphalt begins to show cracking patterns over its surface, you will need to repair them as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration of the surface and the formation of pot holes. If there is any vegetation growing from cracks, remove it first and clean out any debris and dirt with a pressure washer or a broom. Fill each crack with a liquid asphalt filler for smaller cracks, and a cold patch mixture filler for wider cracks. You can find these products at most home improvement stores.

Sealcoat Regularly

As the surface of your asphalt dries out and its color fades, it can become more brittle and susceptible to further damage. You can repair this deterioration and restore its moisture, flexibility, and waterproof qualities by protecting it with a layer of sealcoating. Most home improvement stores sell the equipment and sealcoat tar emulsion, or you can hire a professional asphalt company to apply the new protective coating.

Install a New Durable Drive

The key to a durable asphalt surface is the foundation that has been laid beneath it. When you cut corners and skip necessary steps to install a new asphalt pavement, it won't have the strong flexibility it needs to hold up under the pressure of vehicles and the change in temperature. For this reason, whether you install the pavement or hire a professional asphalt company, it is important to compact the base soil and layer a gravel foundation where you will pour the asphalt.

Depending on the drainage of your soil and its compaction qualities, you may need a thicker layer of compacted, angular gravel. For well-draining sandy soils, you only need approximately four inches of crushed angular gravel compacted over the soil. Poorly-draining soils or soils that contain a high amount of clay will need to be covered with a thicker layer of angular gravel of up to eight inches. This will enable any moisture below your asphalt top layer to properly drain from the asphalt layer. This also helps prevent the soil from eroding in wet weather and freeze-thaw patterns from causing heavy damage to your asphalt pavement.

Contact paving contractors for more information and assistance.