Asphalt Driveway Old? 2 Tips To Help Keep It In Good Condition

Posted on: 4 February 2022

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If you have an asphalt driveway that is getting old, there are many things you can do to help it last longer to help you save money. Below are two of these things so you can get started on this project.

Keep It Clean

Clean your asphalt driveway when you notice it is becoming very dirty. This will make things much easier as dirt and debris will not build up on it. First use a leaf blower or sweep the driveway to remove as much dirt and debris as you can.

To clean the driveway, pre-wet it and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Purchase cleaner that is made for asphalt and mix it according to the instructions. Apply the cleaner to the asphalt using a pump sprayer and then use a wide broom to scrub the driveway. If there are stains, such as from oil or other car liquids, purchase stain remover for asphalt. Put the stain remover on the stain and use a stiff bristled brush to scrub the stain off. When finished, completely rinse the driveway with a garden hose and make sure all cleaner is removed.

Repair Cracks

Inspect your asphalt driveway for cracks. Even small cracks will become larger and can spread, resulting in the cracks becoming much larger. At this point the damage will get much worse, resulting in asphalt repair by a contractor or driveway replacement in some cases.

Fortunately, you can repair cracks on your own in many cases. You do this by using an asphalt crack filler, which can be purchased at a home improvement store. Before you start, clean the driveway. This is important as a clean driveway can help you see cracks that may be difficult to see if the driveway is very dirty. 

Use the crack filler for every crack that you see. The product you purchase will come with complete instructions. You do need to make sure you clean any dirt or other debris from inside the crack before using the filler. Allow the filler to completely dry before you use your driveway. 

If you do see larger cracks, hire a professional from a place like Specialty Construction Supply to repair them for you. If the contractor finds a lot of damage to the driveway, they will likely suggest that you replace it with a new one. The contractor can also give you much more information on what you can do to help your asphalt driveway last longer if you do not have it replaced.