How to Make Asphalt Paving a Proactive Strategy | Cape Cod
How to Make Asphalt Paving a Proactive Strategy | Cape Cod
Asphalt is a very popular choice for all kinds of public and private pavements in Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts. Asphalt pavements are economical to install, and they can be put into use much quicker than other paving choices. When maintenance and repairs are needed, they are also fast and economical. Furthermore, asphalt pavement is visually appealing and extremely durable if it is properly maintained. Unfortunately, a neglected pavement can have its life expectancy reduced by half or more, and it will probably need frequent and costly repairs throughout its life. If you want to maximize your investment, asphalt paving contractors recommend that you adopt a proactive maintenance strategy.
How to Make Asphalt Paving a Proactive Strategy | Cape Cod
What Do Asphalt Contractors Consider as Important Elements of a Preventive Maintenance Strategy?
If you were to ask numerous asphalt contractors how to extend the life of your pavement, they would likely tell you that your best strategy is to prevent damage, but when damage occurs, you should have it professionally repaired as soon as possible.
• You should never assume that your asphalt pavement is aging as it should. Walk your pavement every autumn and every spring to verify its condition. Make notes about the color of the pavement, the size and location of any cracks, areas of uneven wear, signs of poor drainage, patches of alligatored asphalt, and potholes.
• Make the repair of any breaks in the pavement your top priority. Potholes, cracks and other breaks are the primary cause of damage to the foundation that supports asphalt pavement. An eroded foundation will become unstable, allowing the pavement to sag and crack. A destabilized foundation leads to major potholes and alligator cracking. Foundation damage typically requires removing the pavement to reconstruct the underlying damage. If the foundation is damaged over a significant area, it will likely be necessary to reconstruct the entire pavement.
• Sealcoating is an economical procedure that can often double the life of asphalt pavement. Ultraviolet radiation dries out asphalt and makes it brittle. Oil and other automotive fluids soften the pavement. Sealcoating helps protect your pavement from UV rays, automotive fluids, water penetration, chemical deicers and other types of potential damage. New pavement should be sealed before it is 12 months old, and fresh sealant should be applied every two years or as recommended by your paving company.
• Have your contractor inspect your drainage system periodically. It may be necessary to adjust your catch basins, for example, or clear grates and drains to keep them flowing freely.
• When your pavement is covered with snow or ice, your first inclination may be to clear the way as quickly as possible. However, you should only use a chemical melting agent that is safe for asphalt pavement, so ask your contractor for recommendations. Furthermore, because unskilled snowplow operators can damage your pavement, you should hire a reputable, experienced company to plow your pavement.
The experts at Dirtworks can help you protect your asphalt pavement with a customized plan for your preventive maintenance. Dirtworks is a full-service excavation and asphalt paving company providing exceptional work to residential and commercial customers throughout Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts. Our services include asphalt paving, asphalt overlays, asphalt repairs, driveway paving, site work, asphalt milling, sealcoating, snow removal, parking lot striping and dirt road repair. Our client base includes homeowners, subdivisions, health care facilities, office buildings, local governments, retailers, religious institutions, apartment complexes, hotels, educational facilities and commercial property managers. Our exemplary reputation is based on our exceptional workmanship and commitment to customer service. To request a free estimate on your work, fill out the online form or call us at 508-240-5541.
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