Driveway Care
Here are some do's and don'ts of driveway care.
Remember that the liquid asphalt in blacktop needs time to harden
and cure, usually 6-12 months, your driveway will remain somewhat
soft and pliable until then. You may walk on your new driveway
immediately, but keep automobile traffic off it for at least 3 full
days and longer in hotter temperatures.
Your new asphalt driveway will soften and harden as temperatures
rise and fall. Watering down your dirveway with a hose on hot days
will cool and temporarily harden the asphalt. This is helpful but
not mandatory. If soap suds should appear do not be alarmed. This is
a reaction between the diesel fuel found in the asphalt and a high
chlorine content found in some city water.
Your new driveway can be scarred by automobiles starting out too
fast, pulling in too quickly, turning around in tight areas and just
driving too fast.
During the first 6-12 months while your driveway is curing don't
park in the same spot every time. Do not turn your steering wheel
back and forth when your car is not moving.
AVOID using jack stands or car ramps unless a piece of plywood is
placed under them to help distribute the weight.
Lawnchairs,Bicycle and motorcycle kickstands exert
weight on concentrated areas and will create holes and depressions
in your new driveway. Especially watch out for those pointy high
heels during the warm months when your driveway is new.
The edges are the weakest part of your driveway due to the lack of
side support. Avoid driving on the edges since they will crack and
crumble in time. We suggest building up the sides to your driveway
with topsoil to approximately one inch from the top of the driveway
to allow room for sod growth and water drainage.
This will support the edges and enhance the appearance after grass
is grown.
Avoid gasoline, oil, anti-freeze, power steering and transmission
fluid spills and leaks. These will dilute the liquid asphalt in your
driveway. Any hole left by these spills should be filled with cold
patch. Any hairline cracks that may have developed over the winter
due to the contraction and expansion of the ground should be filled
with crack filler or sealer.
To preserve your new drivway, it is advisable to seal it after it
has been paved. Unprotected driveways remain porous, dryout, become
rough, and lose their life rapidly.
Call Absolute Asphalt today with any questions or concerns. After
all, your driveway is our driveway!
With a professional job and scheduled maintenance, you can preserve
the life and beauty of your new driveway for many years to come.