If you have an asphalt driveway or parking lot in your Florida home, you are probably already aware of the damage that it suffers from during hot Florida summers.
But are you aware of the measures you can take to protect and maintain it?
Today, we will discuss how you can maintain your asphalt driveway or parking lot in the hot Florida summer to help you overcome unnecessary damage and expenses.
But first, let’s understand how Florida summers damage asphalt driveways and parking lots.
How Florida Summers Damage Asphalt Driveways and Parking Lots
Ultraviolet rays from the sun combine with oxygen and break down the key chemical bonds that make asphalt strong. Over time, the Florida summer sun can make the asphalt brittle and damaged.
If timely maintenance is not done, the gradual deterioration can lead to a multitude of problems for your asphalt driveway or parking lot.
You will start to see unsightly cracks in the asphalt that are also harmful to its integrity. Smaller cracks may be easily fixed, but larger ones are costly to repair. So, how can you maintain it to avoid damage and costly repairs?
How to Maintain Your Asphalt Driveway or Parking Lot in the Hot Florida Summer
Asphalt driveways and parking lots are durable and maintenance is minimal, which is why you shouldn’t neglect them. Here are a few simple ways to take care of your asphalt driveway or parking lot during hot Florida summers.
Frequent Cleaning
Frequent and regular cleaning of your asphalt will not take much time or effort. You can also hire someone or a professional cleaning service to do it for you. Cleaning involves removing trash, leaves, debris, and dust from the surface regularly.
If your cars leak oil on the asphalt, it can easily ruin your driveway or parking lot. If it happens, you must clean the oil off the asphalt immediately. Frequent cleaning helps prevent the elements from reducing the shine of your asphalt and compromising its integrity.
Fill Potholes
Potholes on asphalt driveways and parking lots occur because of the expansion and contraction of underground water. The worst part about potholes is that they spread and cause more damage and repair costs if you do not address them.
Always fill potholes as soon as they appear. It is highly recommended to hire professionals like Sunshine Services for the best, lasting results.
Sealcoat the Asphalt
Sealcoating is an innovative procedure that adds a durable top layer over your asphalt driveway or parking lot. It is the best way to protect your asphalt from the elements, rain, sun, and the hot Florida summers in general. It also protects asphalt from ice and snow in the winters.
Most importantly, however, it stops water from penetrating your asphalt and forming potholes or a breeding ground for harmful fungi.
The glossy finish of the sealcoat top layer also makes your asphalt driveway or parking lot look better than ever. Depending on your usage of the asphalt, maintenance habits, and overtime damages, a coating like this can easily last anywhere between 2-5 years before you need to reapply it.
Keep It Dry
If you want a durable, lasting, and pristine asphalt driveway or parking lot, you should keep it dry at all times. This does not mean that you can’t put water on it, you just need to make sure that water doesn’t remain on it for long.
Florida rain and water accumulated from cleaning your cars may create water pools that damage the asphalt and eventually result in potholes. It is a smart idea to install drains for water and level any depression areas that stagnate water, you can also use a wiper to manually remove water if needed.
Conclusion
Asphalt is a durable and reliable material, however, without the proper maintenance, it will not last as long as it should. If you want to protect your asphalt driveway or parking lot from the hot Florida summer, you should follow the mentioned maintenance methods.
They will allow your asphalt to fight the sun, water, and other elements to last a very long time. If you need professional help, we highly recommend Sunshine Services for the best asphalt maintenance and restoration services in Florida.
If you want to learn more about how to maintain your asphalt driveway or parking lot from the hot Florida summer, or about the best asphalt professionals in the state, please visit our website today.