Ok—You’ve just finished up your asphalt project and the results are incredible, your street or parking lot looks new, aesthetic and visually appealing. ¡Congratulations! An asphalt application is always the best option to renew the aesthetics of any surface.
Now that your asphalt is finished you may be wondering ‘’what should I do to keep it that way?’’ Don’t worry, we have 7 golden rules to guide you to keep it that way.
Often when an asphalt project is completely finished, some people don’t know which rules to follow or how to maintain that fresh brand-new look. Some projects can be expensive and to let them depreciate is a huge waste! That is why we want you to take into account Dos and Don’ts when it comes to taking care of your asphalt project
Do’s
Wait at least 24-48 hours before using it
Newly laid asphalt needs at least 24 hours to dry before being used, when asphalt is fresh it’s in a vulnerable state that can increase the chances of damage or aesthetics defects if used shortly after being installed. If the weather in your locality is warm, we recommend that you wait a little longer (48 to 72 hours) and carry out your asphalt project during non-working hours or less busy hours to avoid this type of inconvenience.
Drive carefully
We have already mentioned that very fresh asphalt is in its vulnerable state, so we also want to recommend driving as slowly as possible on a new or coated surface, this will help you minimize the risk of damage from scars or marks. We know it sounds boring, but we also assure you that details like this will help you maintain an excellent condition of your parking lot or street.
Keep your project clean
It may be a bit obvious, but in the first hours it’s the best to not make any mistakes because it’s not over when your asphalt is installed, cleaning plays a vital role. This can be a challenge depending on the size of your surface, but avoiding or acting in time in the event of a substance spill, stagnant water or even garbage residues can mark a before and after in the final finish of your asphalt when it is completely dry.
Keep your surface maintained
Years go by and nothing lasts forever, your asphalt is going to have a lot of use and this is going to affect it over time, but don’t worry, this is something you can handle with regular crack filling and sealing. Don’t wait for the years to pass until you notice significant damage to get to work.
In many cases it is recommended to carry out crack filling and sealing coat every 2 or 5 years at most to maintain that fresh and new look that you care so much about.
Don’ts
Don’t park in the same place every time
We know, it sounds a bit tiresome, but this is something that can go a long way toward helping you achieve your goal of caring after your asphalt project. Vehicles are heavy and keeping them in the same place for a long period of time can create unevenness and ruts that in the future can turn into cracks or potholes and depressions.
Don’t seal your asphalt so fast
Yes, we have already mentioned that sealing your asphalt can become one of the best options to maintain an attractive appearance on your surface, but this is a task that can play against you if you don’t know when to do it. Sealing your surface before its first year of useful life can generate the presence of cracks due to the additives that some asphalt products have.
Avoid driving on asphalt edges
This is the weakest part of your surface, weight excess on the edges easily creates cracks or even significant fractures in the surface if you drive in such areas too frequently.
Now that you have this essential guide you already know what to do and what not to do to keep the excellent aesthetic of your asphalt project, remember, it is the small details that generate big changes, keep them in mind and you will enjoy a well-kept surface for many years.