When properly maintained, asphalt drives and parking areas look great for years. Letting them go can result in an eyesore that hurts property values and deters shoppers. Here are some tips for asphalt maintenance.

Cleaning your asphalt

There are many reasons why your asphalt needs to be maintained. The weather, for example, can take its toll on asphalt. You might think that because your parking lot is black it is already clean, but over time, pollutants can accumulate. This can result in premature cracking of your parking lot, which is not only dangerous for cars and pedestrians, but also a health risk. Whether you hire a sweeper service or blow the asphalt clean yourself, it’s always a good idea to clean your asphalt regularly.

How to Prevent Cracks in your asphalt

The first step in preventing cracks in your asphalt is to make sure that the top is sealed off regularly. This prevents water and other liquid materials from getting into the small cracks of your asphalt and making bigger ones. You also should keep the surface clear of debris. If a vehicle runs over a piece of garbage, then that weight can force the garbage through the concrete creating a crack or hole that will only get bigger. Proper maintenance is a key component to preventing cracks in asphalt.