Why Was Your Driveway Damaged During The Summer?

Key Takeaways:

1. Summer can damage the asphalt driveway due to sun exposure, rain, lack of maintenance, heat, asphalt mixture inadequacies, and poor drainage.
2. Sun exposure leads to the breakdown of the binding agent inside the asphalt, causing cracks and deterioration.
3. Constant rain exposure weakens the pavement and can cause buckling and cracking. Fall maintenance is crucial to avoid further damage during cooler temperatures.
4. Improper asphalt mixture can become too hot and brittle in hot weather, leading to cracks and potholes.
5. Poor drainage can cause erosion and crack or crumbling of the pavement’s surface.
6. Cost-effective solutions include asphalt patching, crack filling, and resurfacing.
7. Regular maintenance tips include inspecting the driveway, cleaning it, sealcoating every three years, and avoiding spills.
8. Seal coating is necessary for protecting the driveway, and a good maintenance plan is necessary regardless of driveway size.
9. Asphalt repairs are cost-effective compared to replacing the entire driveway. Hiring a professional contractor is recommended for the best protection.

Your driveway is more than just a path that leads you from the street to your front door. It’s the first thing guests see when they arrive. It’s the first impression of your home and sets the tone for the entire property. But after a long, hot summer, it’s not uncommon to find your asphalt driveway looking worse for wear. The relentless sun, rain, and heat can cause cracks, potholes, and fading. But why are some driveways more affected by the summer than others?

Purcell’s Paving and Masonry will explore why your asphalt driveway is damaged by the summer and what you can do to protect it. This information is crucial for keeping your driveway in good condition and ensuring that your property looks its best. So, please sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of driveways and summers!

Reasons for Asphalt Driveway Summer Damage

1. Sun Exposure

Driveways, although proved to be a valuable outdoor asset, the constant sun exposure can wear away your pavement surface. The sun’s rays carry UV radiation that warms up the surface of driveways and breakdown the binding agent inside the asphalt. As a result, the material’s tensile strength begins to deteriorate over time from years of excessive exposure, which leads to cracking and further damage.

2. Rain

Are you a New Jersey resident? If so, you know that June is the rainiest month of the year. That being said, showers are frequent from March to August as well. Although rain isn’t the problem, constant water exposure is disastrous for your driveway.

The moisture from the rain seeps into the pavement and makes it weak, thus causing buckling and cracking over time. Additionally, the waterworks down to the base of the driveway can cause significant shifts in your foundation, leading to further damage.

3. Lack of Fall Maintenance

While summer is your driveway’s busiest season, fall brings its own set of challenges. When cooler temperatures arrive, asphalt driveways are far more prone to cracking due to the changing temperature.

Unfortunately, many people fail to maintain their driveways during this time of year, allowing the damage to continue unchecked until the following spring. To avoid costly repairs in the future, you must take care of your pavement before winter arrives.

4. Asphalt Mixture Inadequacies

Another common issue that leads to driveway damage over the summer is improper asphalt mixture. Asphalt mixtures can become too hot and brittle during hot weather, leading to cracks and potholes.

To create a strong pavement layer, you must use an asphalt mix suited to your area’s temperature range. A professional asphalt contractor can recommend a mix that won’t easily crack in the summer heat.

5. Poor Drainage

Finally, poor drainage can also damage the driveway during the summer months. Suppose water isn’t drained away from your driveway quickly enough. In that case, it can cause erosion—resulting in cracking or crumbling of the pavement’s surface.

The Solutions

Now that we know the causes of driveway damage in the summer let’s discuss some cost-effective solutions.

1. Asphalt Patching

Asphalt patching is one of the most cost-effective ways to repair driveways. By filling in the cracks and holes in the driveway, water won’t be able to seep under the surface and cause further damage.

2. Crack Filling

The best way to prevent further water damage is by filling in larger cracks before they become bigger.

3. Resurfacing

Resurfacing your asphalt driveway can also help prevent future damage caused by extreme temperatures during the hot summer months.

Regular Maintenance Tips

To make sure your driveway stands strong through the summer heat, here are some regular maintenance tips:

1. Inspect for Damage Regularly

Check your driveway regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks or potholes. If you find any, address them immediately before they become more significant and costly.

2. Clean Frequently

Regularly clean your driveway with a power washer during summer to remove dirt and debris that could cause damage over time.

3. Sealcoat After Two to Three Years

Seal coating your driveway is integral to asphalt care. It should be done every two to three years to keep water from penetrating the surface and causing further damage.

4. Avoid Spills

Be mindful of spills, and avoid letting them sit on your driveway for long periods, as they can cause irreversible damage.

Common Misconceptions about Driveway Maintenance

1. Seal Coating Is Not Necessary

Seal coating is essential for protecting your driveway from damage and should be done every three years.

2. Asphalt Repairs Are Expensive

Asphalt repairs may seem expensive initially, but they are much more cost-effective than replacing the entire driveway due to irreversible damages caused by neglecting proper maintenance during summertime.

3. DIY Maintenance Is Fine

DIY asphalt maintenance may seem like a great idea. Still, it often fails to provide the same level of protection as a professional job. If you want to protect your driveway from summer damage effectively, hiring an asphalt contractor with experience in these matters is best.

Related: Driveway And Parking Lot Repair: Should You Patch, Resurface, Or Replace?

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper driveway maintenance during the summer months is essential. Without it, you may experience cracking, potholes, erosion, and other damage that can be costly to fix. The key is to ensure regular inspections and maintenance so potential problems can be identified and addressed before they worsen.

Hire Reliable Asphalt Contractors for Keeping Asphalt Driveways in OptimumCondition in Basking Ridge, NJ

Purcell’s Paving and Masonry is your best bet if you are looking for reliable asphalt contractors in Basking Ridge, NJ. Our team offers a comprehensive range of services, from driveway installation to paving repairs. With years of experience, we can help you maintain the condition of your asphalt driveway no matter how harsh the summer months may be. Contact us today and get a free estimate for your asphalt driveway needs.

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