A bitumen driveway, a synonym for asphalt driveway, is popular in many Melbourne homes. As asphalt shields a driveway against moisture, wind, heavy rains, it is absolutely a class-apart choice for durability.
However, despite its protective nature, the asphalt driveway can turn into a rough playground without periodic maintenance. So, if you are looking for an asphalt contractor in Melbourne for constructing a driveway, you must understand 10 tricks on its maintenance.
Maintaining a bitumen driveway keeps it functional and attractive even though a contractor uses the right proportion of bitumen and asphalt aggregates. In this blog, you will explore 10 essential tips to maintain a bitumen driveway, even though you are trusting a contractor in this case.
1. Do Regular Cleaning
Cleaning the bitumen driveways is both a functional and attractive way to keep away the dirt. If you are residing in an area where leaves, twigs, and grass pile up on the corners, then cleaning the asphalt driveway becomes even more essential.
You can start with a regular broom or a leaf blower to keep the area clean. If clearing out the waste is difficult on your own, calling a professional for a pressure washing service is ideal too.
2. Apply Sealcoating
While bitumen itself is a durable and resilient material for driveway surfaces, it is still best to apply a sealant over the asphalt surface. More so because asphalt has a certain lifespan. Beyond this lifespan, maintaining its structural integrity is in the hands of people using the driveway.
An asphalt contractor in Melbourne sealcoats a driveway to shield it from the weather elements, chemicals, and daily wear. Depending on the number of times of usage and the weather conditions in your area, you must seal coat the driveway after every 2-3 years. Sealcoating assures the year long damage protection and gives your driveway a fresh appearance.
3. Repair Cracks and Potholes
Cleaning and sealing the asphalt driveways protect the delicate ground. But even though you are consistently performing these maintenance tasks, heavy vehicles and overloading trucks crack a hole on the bitumen surfaces.
Repairing cracks and potholes as soon as they occur is a priority task. Bitumen driveways when left for too long can expand and damage over time. This eventually leads to more significant and costly repairs. It is always efficient to call an asphalt contractor in Melbourne to understand some DIY repairing tricks.
4. Prevent Water Damage
Water is one of the biggest enemies of bitumen driveways. It can seep into cracks and underlying structure of the asphalt. For this reason, you must make sure to lay asphalt in an angled slope near the drainage system to prevent a water pool. Additionally, you should keep an eye out for drainage issues on the asphalt driveway for further best protection.
5. Avoid Heavy Loads
While bitumen driveways are durable, they are not designed to withstand excessively heavy loads for continuous time. Avoid parking heavy vehicles or equipment on your driveway for longer hours.
If you must use your driveway for such purposes, consider placing plywood sheets under the tires to distribute the weight more evenly. This, in turn, prevents hollow marks or dents on the asphalt driveway.
6. Protect the Driveway Edges
The edges of your bitumen driveway are more sensitive to damage than the central areas. Avoid driving on the edges as these can crack or crumble after some use.
If possible, consult your asphalt contractor in Melbourne to create a border with bricks, stones, or concrete. Doing this prevents future problems and provides additional support and protection for the driveway edges.
7. Control Weed and Grass Growth
Weeds and grass can grow through tiny gaps in your driveway which can be a major concern over time. Regularly inspect your driveway for any signs of plant growth and remove weeds.
One best measure to control weed growth is to apply a weed killer along the edges and inside the cracks. Additionally, you can keep the surrounding area well-trimmed to put an end to a pest entry.
8. Perform Regular Inspections
Inspect your bitumen driveway to catch and address issues early. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, potholes, oil stains, and water stagnation.
Address any issues immediately to prevent further damage. Also, you can call an asphalt contractor in Melbourne to inspect the prior problems and tackle them proactively.
9. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals on the bitumen surface as the ultimate approach. Instead, use a mild detergent and a stiff brush to wash off the oil or chemical stains. If stains are stubborn enough, using chemical cleaners on the asphalt driveway is also a good option.
10. Carry Out a Seasonal Maintenance
During the spring season, you must clean all the winter debris and inspect any damage and repair cracks. In summers, applying UV protection sealants should be a priority.
Likewise, the fall season demands removing leaves to keep the area clean. Keep your driveway clear of snow and ice in winters. Use a plastic shovel over a metal one to keep the surface scratch-free. Avoid using salt or harsh deicing chemicals. You can rather use sand or kitty litter for traction.
Final Words
We hope you liked reading this blog. As you see, maintaining your bitumen or asphalt driveway is not a difficult maintenance task. With regular care and attention, you can protect your investment on laying asphalt driveway, save yourself from costly repairs, and keep the driveway in good condition for years.
Whether it is a regular cleaning, sealcoating, repairing cracks, or protecting the driveway edges, every effort into maintaining your driveway pays off. Trust Roadseal Civil for laying and maintaining asphalt driveway with the help of a highly experienced and skilled asphalt contractor in Melbourne.