Your driveway is a substantial investment, and is something that should receive
much attention as landscaping or your lawn. We have a few suggestions that we
recommend to insure a long life for your asphalt.
Sealcoating
This is the best defense against the elements of nature. A professionally-sealed driveway will
extend its life 2-3 times than one that is untreated. Seal coating is designed to repel oils and
other harmful effects such as weather damage, and wear from sand and dirt. The sealed
surface will also make your driveway effortless to keep clean.
Oils
If you have a vehicle that leaks oil, you should pay close attention to the spots it leaves behind.
Oil can penetrate deep into the asphalt and if left untreated, it is like an iceberg - what you see
on the surface is only about 1/3 of what is underneath. If you notice leaks, place a piece of
plywood on the asphalt to catch the oil: it will save your asphalt from deteriorating. To treat
spots, use Dawn Liquid Dish Detergent applied directly to the stain. Use a scrub brush, let
stand, and rinse away.
Grass
You wouldn't think a tiny blade of grass could harm your asphalt, but if left untreated, it will
spread, causing cracking and eventually ruin your new driveway. At the first signs of grass
coming up through the asphalt, use Round Up or a similar product that kills down to the root.
Sand and Dirt
At least two times a year, we recommend that you hose off your driveway to remove sand and
dirt. Sand will act as an abrasive when your tires make contact with it. This will slowly eat
away at the asphalt.
