Commonly Asked Questions About Asphalt Driveways

18 August 2015

Alexa Morales

Having a paved driveway is a feature that many homeowners take for granted. However, if you have only recently had your driveway paved, you may not be well-informed about the needs of new asphalt. As a result, it is possible you may encounter some common problems, but if you have the following two asphalt driveway questions answered, you may find yourself in able to make confident decisions as an informed homeowner. 

Why Is The Driveway Cracking Around The Edges?

A relatively common problem that homeowners may experience with a newly paved driveway is cracking around the edges. Often, this damage will start to develop several months to a year after the asphalt was originally poured. Erosion is often a prime culprit in causing this damage because the soil under the edges of the driveway may wash away, which will weaken its support. 

To prevent this type of damage from occurring, you may need to install either gutters or french drains along the driveway to ensure that as much water as possible is kept from seeping under the driveway. This may add to the cost of your driveway, but it will help save you from needing to make expensive structural repairs in the future. 

Why Is It Not Advised To park On The Asphalt During Its First Summer?

You may be shocked when your contractor tells you that you should avoid parking on the asphalt during the first summer after it has been poured. This may seem like strange advice, but it should be noted that it is common for driveways to soften some when they are first exposed to the summer heat. When you park on it, the weight of the car can cause the softened asphalt to become indented. 

If you made the mistake of parking on the driveway, you may need to repair these indentations to prevent water from pooling. To do this, you will need to buy an asphalt repair kit. These kits contain enough asphalt to repair most minor damages, and you will simply use the asphalt to fill in the indention until it is level. Once you have completed this repair, avoid driving or parking on the repaired section of the driveway until it has fully cured or else this problem will simply return. 

Preventing common forms of damage from occurring to your driveway can be an excellent way of reducing your repair costs. However, if you are like many other homeowners, you may be unaware of some of the steps needed to avoid common damages. By knowing the importance of ensuring proper drainage around the edges of your driveway and why you should avoid parking on it during the hot days of summer, you will be able to keep your driveway in excellent condition for as long as possible. Contact a local contractor, like Curtis Paving Vancouver, for further questions.

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